memorable hike

“I just got back from hiking with my 64 year old mom. I know that's not very remarkable in itself, but...
Not only was this her first hike since...probably her first "real" hike ever, but at this time two years ago, she was having a double mastectomy. In the 2 years before that, she'd been diagnosed with diabetes, then a few months later, breast cancer. She quickly got her diabetes under control, then had to deal with 3 cancer surgeries, 32 weeks of radiation treatments, and several reconstruction surgeries, the last of which was just a month or so ago.

We (my mom, granddaughter - in the carrier, and I) hiked 1.4 miles to Ocean Lookout on Mt Megunticook in Camden. We had great time hiking up, exploring all over the ledges, and admiring the views.
Later we went shopping and I realized how pleased she was with herself when she said to everyone she knew "guess what I just did!" She told them she whined a little, but I didn't thnk so, she just commented several times about having to go up - AGAIN!

She said she had a good time, and talked about going again - I can't wait to see the pictures!”

“Hey, Twigeater, that's beautiful.

My mom always thought I was a little crazy to hike so much - she was right, of course. Well, one time I took her out and we got separated. My mom was not the most athletic person and she ended up crossing this impossible ravine. When I finally tracked her down she had this big smile on her face - she loved the challenge. She told that story for years.

Anyway, last year she died after her second bout with cancer. I drove her back and forth to radiation/chemo treatments. Well, after it was obvious we weren't going to win, we agreed that every time I saw a beautiful sunset, she'd be there. And she is.”

“Welcome to my town, Twig! That's one of my favorite hikes. What a wonderful experience for your mom! Congrats to her for her accomplishment.”

“Thanks for sharing, lurker. There are four of us kids and we took turns driving, being there, and interpreting diagnosis from the beginning. Very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I certainly appreciate the time I have with my mom more now, but I was really pleased to share one of my favorite things with her AND have her enjoy it. My mom is not athletic (neither am I), but very energetic - she walks every day, roller bladed this summer, ice skates every winter. I think these illnesses challenge her and push her to go farther. It helps that my parents have a farm so there's always work to do which keeps everyone active.

Hey vix - my family is from the mid coast area and I hike there often. Did you say once that you are a teacher? My mom is a teacher aide.”

“Hey Twig... wonderful story. Thanks for telling it.
And thanks RL as well.

Trips to the mountains have punctuated my own losses and recoveries.”

“Hi Twig,

I am a teacher, but in the Waldorf school. I've met some, but probably not most, of my colleagues in the local schools. But with everything going on with the teens in town lately, we need each other more than ever, so maybe I'll meet her yet.”