A reminder

Caroline and I got to hang out with my cousin, Monica and her family today.  We decided a drive up Pikes Peak mountain was in order. 

As I drove our SUV loaded with 7 members up the mountain, I was reminded of all the many EARLY morning trips I made up that mountain last year training for the Ascent.  Funny how life a year ago was so different yet so similar to this year. 

Last year we had just filled out our paperwork, our dossier was on its way to Ethioipa.  We had just begun our wait.  This year we are still waiting to bring home our baby.  We are still in the land of the unknown.

Once we got the top, I was struck  with the beauty of the state we live in.  This mountain is my backyard, literally.  I have the privilege of climbing and driving up that mountain most days (at least in the summer). 

I really enjoyed showing the mountain to Caroline for the first time.  I have found myself swaying back and forth between a world far away with lots of waiting and trying to make the most of this summer with my family now.  I really enjoyed my time with Caroline.  I enjoyed just hanging out with her.  She has a wonderful artistic eye, an exuberance for life and always something to say. 

At the top of the mountain, I was reminded of all the hard work I did training for the Ascent.  The race ended up be horrific.  But I finished and I see that medal on my desk every day.  I survived and I came out better because of it.  Whenever life seems to be too full, to heavy, my mantra is “Remember the Ascent!”  (Right Pam?!) I am hoping that next year I get to drive up Pikes Peak with my new bigger family, Desta included.