I remember that day as if it was a dream, a fleeting moment of youth that could have ended it all. But here I am, years later, trekking the Appalachian Trail with a heart full of gratitude and a soul yearning for the wild. The trail, with its unyielding paths and untamed beauty, reminds me of my own journey. These four women, these pillars of my life, bringing me out here to celebrate my 40th year, they are the best friends a person could ask for.
As we journey through the dense forests and over the rugged peaks, I'm struck by the parallels between this trail and my own life. The Trail, with its twists and turns, steep ascents, and tranquil valleys, mirrors the unpredictability of existence. Each step is a reminder of the accident that nearly claimed my life, a testament to the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
As the Appalachian dawn breaks, casting a gentle glow over the trail, I find myself in quiet reflection. The rhythm of our boots against the earth, the hushed whispers of the trees, it's a symphony of nature, a backdrop to our shared journey.
Bri bounds ahead, her laughter a melody that dances with the wind. She turns, her eyes sparkling with that familiar mischievous glint, "Race you to the next marker, Sage!" she challenges, reminding me of when I would do the same. Always hashtagBuildingCharacter is what I used to say.. In her, the spirit of our college days is alive and kicking – always pushing boundaries, always full of life. We dash forward, the others cheering us on, and in that moment, I'm reminded of our youth, of days filled with unbridled joy and carefree abandon.
I realize now that surviving that day wasn't just a second chance at life; it was an awakening. An understanding that every moment is a gift, every relationship a treasure. These women, each a chapter in the story of my life, are more than just companions on this trail. They are the embodiment of the lessons I've learned, the love I've experienced, and the growth I've undergone.
Beside the crackling campfire on the second evening, Taylor's voice weaves through the smoke, her stories a tapestry of philosophical musings and college memories. "Remember the times you kidnapped us in the middle of the night,just so we could see the Grand Canyon at sunrise?" she asks, a smile tugging at her lips. Our conversations, once confined to the walls of our flat, now breathe in the open wilderness. With each story, I see a reflection of our past selves, our dreams, and doubts laid bare under the stars.
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As the sky dresses itself in stars, Bryn's enthusiasm for the cosmos becomes infectious. She points to the constellations, narrating tales of celestial wonders. "Space Camp feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?" she muses. I nod, lost in memories of a time when the stars seemed just a touch away, when our dreams were as vast as the universe itself.She’d fulfilled her dreams, becoming a flight surgeon for NASA, and it was good.
Vivian, with a gentle laugh, flicks water at my face when she catches me staring into the fire for too long, reminiscent of our days at Camp Sealth. "Remember the dance parties in the kitchen? Where we would have those water fights," I ask. She laughs, a sound as comforting as the warmth of the fire. "Some things never change, do they?" In her, I see the continuity of my past and present, a bridge between the young camper I was and the man I've become.
As the sun sets on another day in the wilderness, casting a golden glow over the landscape, I feel a deep sense of peace. I'm no longer just Sage, the boy who narrowly escaped death. I'm a traveler on a never-ending journey, a seeker of truth and beauty, a survivor who has found solace in the embrace of nature and the company of souls who have touched my life in profound ways.
As we pause by a cascading waterfall, Olivia's camera comes out, an old school digital model capturing the scene with a fervor that speaks of her silent passion and her profession of choice. "You always saw the world differently," I comment, watching as her art brings the landscape to life. She smiles, a soft, knowing smile, "And you always found poetry in the simplest things, Sage." Her words, few but impactful, remind me of our college days, of her quiet strength amidst the chaos of creativity and learning.
“Maybe we should have brought some shrooms,” I say and watch her laugh. I am grateful for them, for the time I have with them. We don’t spend much time together these days, they have their families and I’m more of a transient spirit.
The trail ahead is long and uncertain, but I walk it with a heart full of gratitude, a mind open to the wonders of the world, and a spirit that soars with the eagles above. This journey, like life itself, is a tapestry of experiences, woven together by the threads of destiny, chance, and choice. And as I look at the faces of my companions, I'm reminded that in this vast, unpredictable wilderness, we are all just travelers, seeking our own paths, writing our own stories, and finding our way home.