Dear mom walking on the trail

To the mom walking on the trail:

We were starting our family hike when we saw your family finishing. I first noticed your two boys. They looked pretty dirty, and wore the biggest smiles. Your husband was next and held your youngest on his shoulders. The little one bounced and had a range of emotions - clearly living and expressing the present moment. Your husband was wearing a baseball cap. He looked a little tired (we can relate), but he looked ahead with a smile and protective eye. Next to him was your daughter.  Her hair was crazy from an afternoon of running and jumping outside (we can relate to that too). And her cute white shirt was no longer white.She was looking up. Initially I thought she was looking at her dad, but then I saw her smile focused on her little brother.

You were the last one I saw. The moment I saw your face, I knew it had been a difficult adventure. Maybe the trip didn't go as planned. Maybe someone had to use the bathroom, maybe meltdowns happened. You might have had a long to do list in your head (like I do), and as much as you were happy they got some energy out, you were struggling with the juggle of it all.

As I watched you walk, a little slower pace than your family, I noticed your arms were full. Water bottles, a jacket, and a diaper bag probably full of wipes/snacks and tissues like me. Like your husband, your eyes were on your children ahead, hoping they didn't run too far too fast.

It's then that I smiled at you. You didn't see me, and that's okay. I totally get it. I know I often miss those smiles too.

But I wanted thank you. As we were beginning, your family reminded me that we were going to create wonderful memories. No, they wouldn't be perfect. And there would probably be some unexpected moments, but choosing to unplug together in a plugged in world was going to be worth our afternoon.

Thanks for showing my family that a little dirt is okay, legs will probably get tired, and we can choose to work as a team when things feel tough. Thanks for walking a little slower to remind me to walk a little slower, and maybe take a moment for myself. To breathe and feel the mountain air.

I wanted to tell your daughter thanks. Her face actually reminded me to look up, which is how we even took this photo. Standing on stumps, encircled by trees, the sight above was breathtaking. Every direction was beautiful. I couldn't resist capturing my kiddos (well three of them at least) soaking the beauty in.

And, as you were walking to the car, I know you didn't see the radiant joy coming out of your children's eyes and faces. But I want you know that we did. We felt it. We soaked it in. And we took the light from your family with ours onto the trail.

Thank you mom walking on the trail for reminding me what experiences are truly about.

With love,

a fellow mom