one year ago

Today we are leaving for our annual pilgimage to Canyonlands. Today we leave for the trip that one year ago almost claimed my mom. Today we leave for the canyons to measure the rock that bit her.

I'm excited and numb. I can't believe it has only been a year, it feels like decades. Decades since I set my bare feet on the sandstone, since I felt the cool, dry desert breeze on my skin. Decades since we hauled her out of the canyon, hoping she would make it.

And I know why she still wants to go back. I know what she craves because I too crave it. And I can't explain how happy I am to be returning with her. Glad she has not been discouraged by her chewed up leg, or by others that are convinced she shouldn't go.