September 11, 2004 (Reflections)

With a full heart and tear-stained cheeks, I climbed to the summit of Mt. Katahdin today.  Once again, Cheryl's memory was my hiking partner; today, a clearly vivid partner.  During my 5,268 foot ascent, I revisited all 14 states, my trail relationships, particularly my five month, 1,850 mile relationship with Bear, trail towns, trail magic, amazing wildlife, God's natural wonders, and my love for my dear husband, Bruce,and my three children, Christina, Bruce, and Brittany.

I contemplated my renewed relationship with God.  I prayed for breast cancer victims, including Bear's grandmother, and their families.  I thanked God for the opportunity to raise money for those families and for guiding me safely throughout my 2,174 mile odyssey.  I thought about my conversation with Cheryl as she lay dying.  Cheryl was afraid that people would forget about her.  I promised her that I would NEVER allow that to happen.  From Georgia to Maine, Cheryl's memory lives on!  There will be forget-me-nots growing wildly all along the A.T.!  When the forget-me-not seeds miraculously bloom on mighty Mt. Katahdin, it will be by the grace of God....in loving memory of my dear sister, Cheryl Rose Counts Walden April 4, 1953 - February 21, 1998.

"I have learned that love does not end, not even with death;

it continues to express itself in ways ever new." -James E. Miller