Take a Hike…
Take a Hike……..
I was walking along the Guild Trail the other day, enjoying the moment and also checking the trail conditions, when I heard what I thought was someone crying. I looked in the woods and saw a woman sitting on the large rock surrounded by lush green foliage crying. I continued my walk debating with every step I took if I should speak to the woman or leave her be. I walked about 30 feet and decided to turn around and check in with the woman. When I approached her, I asked her if she was alright. She replied, “I will be….. during the storms a few weeks ago I lost several family members. When I was a child my dad would bring me to this trail and we would explore the woods. This rock that I’m sitting on is “OUR” rock. My dad and I would sit on this rock and count our blessings. I come here when life has been difficult to ease my pain. This rock, trail and these woods heal me….”
Later that day at the end of my walk I saw a mother and 3 children all under the age of 10. The children clinged to their mom as they walked down the trail so tightly it made it difficult for the mom to move. As I made my way to them, I stopped and introduced myself and thanked them for using our trail. The mom said, “Oh no, thank you!….this trail is one of the most peaceful and safest places I know. During the tornadoes several weeks ago, we lost our home. The kids have been so afraid to being outside since the storm so I thought I’d bring them here to reunite them to the outdoors.”
I dare say that there is NOT a single person in the surrounding area of Chattanooga (including North Georgia and Alabama) that hasn’t been affected by the storms of April 27, 2011. What are you doing to restore yourself or help others? Might I suggest…… Take A Hike!