Yosemite With my Mother

Posted by Marci on Dec 2, 2010 in | 0 comments

Gray mist lifted from the earth shrouding the redwood trees as my mother and I hiked deeper into the forest. The gentle giants reached high into the sky as our feet crunched on the last of the season’s melting snow. A hushed quiet hung in the air. The road to the state park had been closed and many people chose not to venture on the four-mile hike. We had the park to ourselves.

The wind whispered through the trees and I could almost hear them speak to one another, as if they shared ancient knowledge. My mother walked up to a redwood whose trunk had been hollowed by fire. She stood inside and touched the charred surface. The brutal scar of fire only enhanced the tree’s beauty.

I looked at my mother, her soft, blond halo of hair surrounding her face as she stood in awe. I’d lived in California for six years, but this was the first time I was able to bring my mother to Yosemite.

As we  drove to the valley, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I’d always loved this park and believed it to be a place of magic. Its giant stones, carved by nature’s destructive force, remind me that what we believe is hardship really can create incredible beauty. I’ve sat numerous times at the base of its falls meditating to the sound of rushing water.

When we came out of the first tunnel into Yosemite Valley I heard my mother’s breath catch in her throat as her hand went over her heart. We stood on the edge of the rim and her face lit with the beauty she experienced.

At an early age my mother gave me a great gift – she taught me to visualize what I wanted for life by using meditation. She told me that everything was within my reach. I’ve been able to travel the world and see many of its wonders. Each time my eyes touched the majesty of the earth I thought how my mother would appreciate what I experienced. I’ve been able to have an incredible life because of this woman and I wanted to share what she’d given to me.

It was a dream come true to be able to say to my mother, my best friend, here is the life you taught me to live, and every day I’m grateful for all you’ve given me.