Healing

September 26,2024

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

— Rachel Carson

It's been a week since my Mom died. I've been completely shattered, physically and emotionally. Sleeping helped but it was not enough. What I needed was the type of peace and healing that for me can only be found in nature.

So, we packed up Rhoda and headed to the Yampa River State Park near Steamboat Springs. Having been back east, we didn't realize Colorado foliage was at its peak. The drive was glorious. What a gift!

I felt some of the heaviness lift from my soul as we drove higher into the mountains. The splotches of bright yellow aspen leaves looked as if Mother Nature herself had thrown handfuls of molten gold onto the hillsides.

The views grew more and more spectacular. as we left the highway and drove into the woods. We set up our campsite and headed to bed..

We woke up early and drove to Saddleback Ranch to spend the morning riding in the mountains around Steamboat Springs. Horses have always been a big part of my life in good times and bad. As I mounted Huey, I thought of the quote from author Missy Lyons, “There is no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse..”

We ended the day with a campfire. Although my Mom preferred museums and shopping to horses and camping, I think she would have approved of the way I'm mourning her loss and trying to heal my heart.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

-John Muir: