Have you ever had an instance when a simple question brings on a whole FLOOD of memories? Being asked to name my favorite summer memory is like trying to find a favorite star in the sky. They are simply too numerous to pinpoint, and then I feel like I am letting some memories down by not giving them their say. That being said, I will simply mention one of the most recent...last summer:
We went on a road trip to Kings Canyon - The Sequoia National Forest near Fresno, CA. Jesse's father frequently works there as a guide/ranger for the summer. I had yet to meet him, so the whole trip down I was fairly nervous. Would he like me? Would I like him?
We stopped at Crater Lake in Oregon and had quite a memorable day exploring and picture taking. This was all a new experience for Jake (Jesse and I had both been there in childhood) and it was wonderful to share this with him...to see the look a awe and wonder on his face at the beauty around us.
The next day found us in San Franscisco. I had never visited this beautiful city before and found it facinating. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, watching the fog literally rolling off the hills beside and behind us. I had always hear of "rolling fog", but this was my first intimate contact with it. Pretty incredible! We walked along the boardwalk, found a wonderful sourdough shop for lunch, climbed up and down Lombard Street, and visited Coit Tower. By now I had almost forgotten my fears, as I was absorbed in the thrill that new places always give me.
All too soon, it was time to head to Fresno. All of a sudden, I remembered the end destination of our trip, and a lump grew in my throat. All the way up and through the canyon, I grew steadly more nervous. The scenery became more rugged and wild, however I was having a hard time paying attention. Jake finally had to take the camera from me, as I was no longer paying attention. Jesse seemed to understand, and constantly reassured me about how wonderful his father was...truly very much like him. We arrived at the rustic motel where we would be staying for the next three nights, and I had almost made myself ill with worry. I remained in our room while my boys decended to the small cafe downstairs to get some dinner.
I lay back on the bed and tried to imagine away my headache. Then...there was a knock on the door. I got up to answer, thinking that perhaps Jesse had forgotten his key. It was Jess...with a visitor! With a huge smile on his face, he strode into the room and wrapped me in a huge hug. His smile was warm & genuine and his laugh filled the room...truly a mirror image of his son that I love with all my heart! In the 10 minutes or so that we visited that night, I realized that Jesse had been right...his father is a wonderful man, and one whom am very proud to know. We got along famously throughout the next 3 days, being taken on private tours of the beautiful Sequoia Redwoods and absorbing the history and these ancient woods.
I learned quite a bit in this day. Anticipation of something you are anxious about usually just causes undue stress and headaches. I try to remember this in my day to day thoughts and activities. Take life as it comes, treasure the moments you have, & love as often and as deeply as you can.