Missing Maddy and loving him is a daily experience. And, during the last few months, I've felt a strong urge to be in the woods, to connect with him in the wilderness. I was so grateful to be able to spend three days backpacking a few weeks ago in the Eagles Nest Wilderness with my friend Bill, who had also backpacked with Maddy and his own son back in middle school.
One special part of backpacking is that you're on the trail hiking for hours, experiencing the beauty of nature while being in the solitude of your thoughts. Sometimes this is in the Zen of the moment and others, in the memories and the thoughts about those we love.
I found Maddy in the woods and grieved for his absence, remembered the joy and beauty of many of the outdoor adventures we had together, and felt the loss of all the adventures that we had planned for the coming year. He was so present and so full of joy and endless fascination of the natural world (among his many, many interests!)
Thinking of you and loving you, Maddy.
Here are only a few of the places I thought of you, and those who love you, on the Gore Trail, Co.
Love you forever,
Dad
Beautiful words, beautiful photos, Ol!
Beautiful Oliver.