Today is officially the first day of Spring! How do I know? Because these Hikers saw their shadows on Max Patch… (Nah… just kidding)… because it is on the calendar (Duh!).
As I reflect on the acts of love and kindness from Marshall and Cheryl Dewell last night, I count my blessings in that I possess the most incredible “shadow” of anyone I know (not MY own shadow… but my best friend… my wife… my partner… my lover… my personal “shadow”).
I am extremely proud of my “shadow” and cannot imagine attempting to thru-hike The Appalachian Trail without her! To watch Slipper ascend the mountains… to hear her feet shuffling behind me… to watch her arrange the inside of our little Copper Spur UL3 Fabric Abode… to taste the fresh water that she just filtered from the creek… and to “quietly” team with her in breaking down camp (while others are still asleep) are some wonderful memories that I share (and blessings that I count) from ME AND MY SHADOW!
For those of you who are married or partnered, let me encourage you to see your significant other as your “shadow” (the personal reflection of “you”… as the Son is shining bright upon you).
When I fall (and I certainly have… my Trail Name is: Tripper)… My Shadow is there to pick me up!
When I am in pain and aching… My Shadow is there to “give me an Aleve and a sip of water.”
When I am cursing the steepness of the trail… My Shadow is right there to encourage me forward.
When I am tired and weary…
When I am “HANGRY!!!!”…
When I need that extra push…
My Shadow is there to “slip me a Snickers Candy Bar!”
And when I need a good night’s sleep… My Shadow is right there with me on her Thermarest Mattress and in her Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bag.
As Michael Jackson sang, “Who’s bad?”
