May 10, 2011
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It IS Grand!
Recently, my red haired boy turned 17. Two days later, he hiked the Grand Canyon, down and out the same day. I was a bit of a wreck, which shows I am STILL struggling with fully trusting God with my lovies. Ryan and a bunch of guys went as a group. My Hubby, BLESS his heart, suggested that he and I drive up to the canyon to see Ryan and friends come out. I am glad we did, although it was nerve-wracking to sit and wait and watch the switchback trail through my camera lens, just hoping to catch a glimpse of that very alive red hair! Can you iMAGine my excitement when THERE! THERE was that red head and his best buddy Dylan! I yelled and cheered and just for the fun of it, yelled "MOMmy's here!!!!!!" (I think he was a bit mortified). Isn't God wonderful to allow my son to take on the canyon, almost exactly 1 year after his Dad hiked it successfully? This hike proved to me and to Hubby and to Ryan that when you prepare for a huge task and then take it ON, it can be completed. If nothing else, at least go and give it your best shot! As for the will and strength needed, this verse sums it all up... "I can do ALL things through CHRIST who gives me strength". YAY!!!
Comments (25)
That was GRAND!
@oldfatgramma - Thank you, Linda! <3
letting go is a process that happens over time and through events like this. great pictures!!
@jans_corner - Thank you, Jan! You're right, it does! How ARE you these days?
Wow -- down and back in one day is a huge accomplishment -- good for Ryan!
What a great accomplishment for your son -- and you! Congratulations!
I loved being there. . . it is so beautiful. Maybe someday I'll get to go back and it enjoy it to a fuller extent.
It's hard letting your babies grow up!
Those stairs, metal with holes so you can look down and see how high up you are....Don't like those!!!
Ever been to Harney Peak in South Dakota? You walk up a set when you are really, realy high! I wanted to cry...but I did it.
I would feel the exact same way as you if it were my son hiking the canyon! A nervous wreck! hahaha.
Glad he made it out safely....and the he did it!
Hope you are enjoying your week. =)
YAY Ryan and I adore the "beauty by God photo by Gail" how CUTE!!!
wow! that's an awesome accomplishment!
@slmret - Huge, indeed! And I was glad he didn't wear a hat! It's easier to spot him! ( 8
@myhopeisinjesus - Yes, it is! And a huge relief when we all arrived back home, safe and sound.
@betheelou - Oh you SHOULD go back! And I'd wait at the top for you! ( 8
@Elizabethmarie_1 - Oh, Hunny Bunny, those stairs only go up from the train track to the lodge. 0 8 But what's really scary is looking into the canyon, over the edge, knowing that parts of the path are only wide enough for 2 people and there's nothing to hold your child back, and it (canyon) goes SOoooooooo far down...ay, ay AY!!! I've never been to S. Dakota but would love to go on a nice warm, sunny day. I think I'd avoid the steps on Harney Peak!
@mellibella - Thanks, Dearie! I thought that was the best way to title that photo, and several others. I was just there to capture the beauty. (And see my son at the "finish line"!)
@redladybug18 - Definately "Wow!" I'm so proud of him!
@Richgem - Haha!
well done Ryan! And they look good after such a hike. Mary and I did that when we were that age. Still remember it vividly as it was so hard. We were dating brothers at the time and their dad flew us to Grand Canyon in his twin engine plane. Their older brother came too...so the five of us hiked down one trail and back up the other in the same day. We were so tired we felt sick that night. Those shirts are a great way to document their achievement!
You crack me up, "MOMmy's here!" ...LOL. After the mortification I am sure Ryan must appreciate you all being there to see him finish!
i don't have any children, but i am fiercely protective of my immediate family and when they are facing some daunting circumstances its hard for me to relinquish them to HIS hands. I'm so excited that not only did he have a great birthday but him and his friends werea ble to do this big hike.t hat is sooo awesome. when i was in France to help at a camp for a summer, i climbed a part of one of the alps and it was one of the hottest and hardest things i've ever done but getting to the top was totally worth it...i think i smiled for weeks after that
Congratulations to your son. What a great way to celebrate a birthday!
I fixed it so there's a link to the page now. Hope to see you there. : )
@ABAHM - So, you KNOW what it's like!!!! When Rich did it last year, he felt sick, too. Ryan was just blown out tired, then sick a few days later. I'm sure the Canyon "got" to him!
@mytoesareblue - You climbed a part of the Alps??? THAT would have freaked me out! Mercy me! But what a great achievement! I do think that being pushed beyond what you think your limit is helps you to realize that God can get you anywhere!
@ata_grandma - Yes, indeed! I'm sure he felt every bit of 17!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations on the boys' adventure! What an accomplishment!!
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