Theresa, although I saw your post when it first appeared, I only tonight finished reading the full article published about your Grand Canyon hike. I was so struck by how vivid your descriptions were of not just the scenery of the place, but also of your inner dialogue recounting the whole experience of the trip. I have always admired your opinions and observations on the healthcare topics you discuss; this, however, was an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and craft of your writing style. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with all of us.
“Part of me had been so sure I would fail, that cancer and its treatment had made me intrinsically weak. But Grand Canyon showed me I was wrong. It was not just the hike, though—let me be clear—it was the challenge of the hike, plus the canyon itself”.
Theresa, this quote is just so wonderful...and so happy you experienced this. There is stanza from Galway Kinnel that reminds me of your quote: “for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing; though sometimes it is necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness". So often, our reclamation, in whatever form, includes being reminded of our loveliness.
It seems fitting that I just read this on Earth Day! I've never had to deal with cancer and its aftermath, but I am a hiker myself and understand the high that comes from being out in nature's magnificence and achieving a goal on the trail that you weren't sure you could. (By the way, I returned recently from a trip to Big Bend National Park in Texas - you should put that on your "spiritual hiking" bucket list!) I'm also a hospice nurse, and I've been reading your work for a long time. Thank you sharing your experiences with us, both the difficult and the joyful (and sometimes they're the same thing, I know).
I understand completely how meaningful a hike in nature’s magnificence can be, and how healing it is. I love the photos and am looking forward to more next month!
I am so excited for you. Forty years ago, I spent 2 months in the hospital (and the following year) recovering from a devastating car crash. All these years later, the feeling of my healthy body in motion still fills me with wonder, gratitude and joy. I wish you the same on your Canyon hike, and every day!
Oh my gosh Theresa! Your Grand Canyon accomplishment is beyond incredible! I couldn't hike down it when I was fit, living in the desert and no cancer!! I love your description of my most favorite place in the US. When I was finishing my PhD at the University of Arizona, I said I wanted to visit the canyon one last time before we relocated. My husband and I drove to the park in November and miraculously found the North Rim open (in all our previous travels there for Dave's study sites the North Rim was always closed). I took the open rim as an omen of a successful defense. I was not disappointed with the view either. The North Rim is quieter and still magnificent. Cheers to you!! Safe travels as you return in May to the I Have Run Out of Adjectives To Describe the Beauty land. Lucky you. Beth
Theresa, although I saw your post when it first appeared, I only tonight finished reading the full article published about your Grand Canyon hike. I was so struck by how vivid your descriptions were of not just the scenery of the place, but also of your inner dialogue recounting the whole experience of the trip. I have always admired your opinions and observations on the healthcare topics you discuss; this, however, was an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and craft of your writing style. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with all of us.
“Part of me had been so sure I would fail, that cancer and its treatment had made me intrinsically weak. But Grand Canyon showed me I was wrong. It was not just the hike, though—let me be clear—it was the challenge of the hike, plus the canyon itself”.
Theresa, this quote is just so wonderful...and so happy you experienced this. There is stanza from Galway Kinnel that reminds me of your quote: “for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing; though sometimes it is necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness". So often, our reclamation, in whatever form, includes being reminded of our loveliness.
It seems fitting that I just read this on Earth Day! I've never had to deal with cancer and its aftermath, but I am a hiker myself and understand the high that comes from being out in nature's magnificence and achieving a goal on the trail that you weren't sure you could. (By the way, I returned recently from a trip to Big Bend National Park in Texas - you should put that on your "spiritual hiking" bucket list!) I'm also a hospice nurse, and I've been reading your work for a long time. Thank you sharing your experiences with us, both the difficult and the joyful (and sometimes they're the same thing, I know).
I understand completely how meaningful a hike in nature’s magnificence can be, and how healing it is. I love the photos and am looking forward to more next month!
I am so excited for you. Forty years ago, I spent 2 months in the hospital (and the following year) recovering from a devastating car crash. All these years later, the feeling of my healthy body in motion still fills me with wonder, gratitude and joy. I wish you the same on your Canyon hike, and every day!
Oh my gosh Theresa! Your Grand Canyon accomplishment is beyond incredible! I couldn't hike down it when I was fit, living in the desert and no cancer!! I love your description of my most favorite place in the US. When I was finishing my PhD at the University of Arizona, I said I wanted to visit the canyon one last time before we relocated. My husband and I drove to the park in November and miraculously found the North Rim open (in all our previous travels there for Dave's study sites the North Rim was always closed). I took the open rim as an omen of a successful defense. I was not disappointed with the view either. The North Rim is quieter and still magnificent. Cheers to you!! Safe travels as you return in May to the I Have Run Out of Adjectives To Describe the Beauty land. Lucky you. Beth