A Very Special Gift
For Mother’s Day this year (2023), I requested that the whole family go on a hike, with a picnic. I love hikes and I love picnics. And I love my sons. So, this was a wonderful treat for me, and my sons were happy to make it happen.
As the day got closer, I felt excited and slightly nervous. I remember feeling silly for being nervous and unable to articulate why. The weather was lining up perfectly and the little things I had planned were all coming together. I picked out a delicious picnic menu filled with gourmet sandwiches, chocolate treats, and yummy drinks. I also took the time to ponder on what hike to go on. Living in the Pacific Northwest there is a plethora of exceptional hikes and stunning locations to explore. I knew I wanted a hike with water so we could stop and soak our feet at some point during the hike. I landed on a beautiful hike called Staircase along North Fork Skokomish River about an hour north of where we live. The river ran into the clean crisp Lake Cushman up in the mountains. I just knew it would give us a refreshing spot for the day.
I went to bed the night before with excited anticipation for the next day’s arrival.
We woke up, got everything ready, made our delicious picnic, and packed the car. Off we went!
The drive was quick and easy and within a few minutes of our arrival, we set out on the trail! During our hike, Preston (my 8-year-old) wanted to explore all the side trails, big rocks, and hollow stumps. I just kept thinking he was going to have some huge spider crawling on him when he came out of the trees. Thankfully that never happened, and he was having a blast!
Tanner and Wesley enjoyed engaging with Preston, cheering him on during his Superman stunts, and helping him with obstacles. They spent time skipping rocks, laughing, talking, and poking at each other with funny jokes and conversation.
I received lots of “I love you”, “I appreciate you Mom” and “Happy Mother’s Day” throughout the whole day.
We hiked a total of 6 miles round trip and ended with a cold swim in the lake!
When we were deep in the woods, I had this moment of real peace and real joy. It was a moment I wanted to freeze forever. Have you ever had a moment like that? One you never wanted to leave and if you could magically just stop time, you would? Like the moment when a surfer finds the perfect wave or when an athlete runner crosses the finish line. The moment the sale finalizes on your house, and you get the keys. Or even a moment like your wedding day or perhaps when you held your baby for the first time. It’s the moment when time stands still, and you are whole. Completely whole! Lacking nothing. No longing or dissatisfaction. No pain. No fear. No regrets. You just are, standing there, numb to anything else other than the wonderful feelings and the moment you’re enveloped in.
These moments are truly a gift, a precious prize to be treasured.
During this apex of a moment where I felt whole and complete, just me and my sons walking and talking together, I pondered on what happened that allowed me to get there. I felt as though it was a secret and I had to articulate to myself what allowed me to be here in this space. Could I create it again? How long until the next time I could feel this way? I intuitively felt these were good questions to ask so I pressed in.
Two factors quickly came to mind.
First, I was very intentional about my plan. I communicated what I wanted, planned all the details, and then I protected my plan. I didn’t allow anything to distract or interrupt. I thought, well that seems simple but sometimes it’s actually not so simple. There are plenty of interruptions, especially with my teenagers and sports and other commitments. My awareness allowed me to acknowledge the fact that sometimes I need to protect my family time more than had been. The feeling of being complete and whole to where I wanted to freeze time seemed to permit me to say “no” to other things because this was so important. And what was truly amazing is that it wasn’t just special and important to me, I could see all over my sons’ faces, ALL DAY LONG, that this was special for them as well! It was a gift to all of us. So, yes, the first thing to create these moments is to be intentional with planning and protecting.
The second factor I realized that was equally important is that I slowed down enough in my brain to recognize the moment. I could have easily just hiked the hike, eaten the picnic, and played in the water enjoying myself and my kids, but there is something about acknowledging to ourselves what is happening around us. Allowing ourselves to feel and breathe in the moment. Letting gratitude wrap its arms around you. Let yourself feel the lightness and the internal beauty of that space. Allowing yourself to feel yourself with no worries. Allowing yourself to reap the benefits of your intentions and your recognition! It’s all quite beautiful if you let it be! So, the second factor is just choosing to see the moment for how amazing it is!
This was such a special gift because I chose to make it special. I carved out time and protected it. Then I let my emotions soak up all the laughter, conversations, and spontaneity of our time together. I let myself be overwhelmed with gratitude when we were all together!
What a very special gift indeed!
Much love,
Angela
P.S. This Blog post picture is the picture we took on the Staircase bridge on our hike!
