SUNRISE, MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA:
As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, today’s journey unfolded like a familiar, yet special story. With my son, William, by my side, we drove through the hushed pre-dawn hours towards the towering presence of Mount Fremont. Each mile seemed to echo my thoughts of gratitude, reminding me of the simple joys often overlooked in our busy lives. The stillness of the road felt like a prelude to the adventure ahead, reflecting my recent reconnection with my lawn, yes, my lawn—a humble patch of earth that had quietly endured my neglect. The trail awaited us, enveloped in mystery and potential. We packed our gear and I found solace in the familiar weight of my backpack as we ventured onto the path. Just as the trail twisted and turned, so too did my reflections on life, loss, and the resilience that comes from both nature and nurture.
As we ascended, the burden of daily struggles felt lighter with each step, replaced by the warmth of shared stories and the playful antics of curious chipmunks. At the lookout, as clouds settled below us and the horizon stretched infinitely, I reflected on how this hike mirrored my journey this past year. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience became my guides, helping me through the terrain of my heart. Each breath of crisp mountain air filled me with renewed hope, a reminder that even in moments of sorrow, beauty and healing can emerge. Today was more than just a hike; it was a celebration of life, honoring the connections I cherish, and a reflection on the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. With each step, I embraced the journey, filled with gratitude for what has been and what is yet to come.
The Journey…
Today’s hike up to the fire lookout on Mount Fremont slowly unfolded from the early hours of darkness. William joined me for this adventure, together we made our way on a two-hour drive to the Mt. Rainier Sunrise lot, where the lingering shadows still cradled the landscape. We geared up, our packs snug against our backs, and our trusty trekking poles in hand, ready to embrace the beauty that awaited us. With the sky beginning to blush in rich shades of blue, we joined the trail. Our hearts racing as the first ascent greeted us with a steady incline, the sunrise trailing just behind us, encouraging our every step. The early stretches of the path welcomed us with meadows, their hidden beauty patiently waiting to unfold when we returned later that morning. Soon, we found ourselves surrounded by trees, the type you find at higher elevations, proudly holding on to the hillside, sharing in our adventure.
Between 6,000-7,000 feet, it was less a forest and more an open dirt trail, bordered by trees that seemed to whisper their cherished memories of a winter wonderland. As we journeyed deeper, the path became a challenging labyrinth of rocks—some ridged and sharp, others loose and unstable as if walking on plates of chalk. Each step felt like an uphill battle, testing our resolve as we pushed ourselves upward. We focused on the rhythm of our feet, one in front of the other, a mantra that anchored us through the welcomed struggle. Finally, after what seemed like an endless journey, we reached the fire lookout. Below us was a serene sea of low clouds. We paused and basked in the morning warmth of blue skies stretching infinitely in every direction. We found a rock to settle on, indulging in conversation and snacks, our conversation mixing with the crisp mountain air. The chipmunks, curious little souls, were quick to introduce themselves, their antics providing comic relief. One even made a bold leap onto William’s lap, clearly hoping for a morsel.
Meanwhile, my gaze was captured by a marmot, lounging on a sun-kissed rock, seemingly savoring the view as much as we were. Before we began our descent, we spotted two groups of white mountain goats grazing in the high meadows, their presence a final gift from the mountain. Though we could have explored another nearby trail, we chose to save that curiosity for another day, cherishing this moment. After nearly seven miles and an elevation gain of 1,100 feet, we returned to our car. The trek had tested us, but the breathtaking scenery and the warmth of our delightful company made every step worthwhile. As we drove away, the sun now fully emerged, was casting a warm glow over everything. Today was a reminder of the beauty in nature and the joy of sharing these experiences with loved ones. Life, love, and gratitude flowed through every step we took, etching a perfect picture of this unforgettable day in the mountains.
Gratitude…
Driving through the quiet of pre-dawn, the roads whispered stories of solitude, offering me a moment to reflect on the simple yet profound experiences that shape my life. The shadows of Mt. Rainier were still wrapped in darkness, but I felt reassured that with each passing mile, I was steering toward a new beginning, much like the journey I’ve recently embarked upon with my lawn. It might seem peculiar to feel gratitude for such a space, yet in the past week, I’ve rediscovered a connection with the patch of green that feels a bit like a friend I had lost touch with. For the past couple of years, my attention and focus has been pulled in different directions, leaving my lawn to struggle on its own. Once a bed of soft, vibrant blades, it now bears the wounds of neglect: dry patches and an unwelcome invasion of weeds. I can’t help but wonder if it felt my absence, yearning for the thoughtful care that once came so frequently.
I remember the days when I would fiercely protect our lawn from creeping weeds and pesky bugs, feeling a sense of pride in its lush, uniform beauty. As I would walk barefoot through its blades, I imagined it softened each landing for me, a gentle appreciation for the nurturing I had provided. But as life pulled me in different directions, my lawn grew tired, its once-vibrant spirit dimming under the burden of unfulfilled care. Yet this past week, something inspired me. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, I ventured outside, determined to breathe life back into its existence. With each seed I planted, each drop of water I offered, I could almost hear it exhale, a silent sigh of relief mixed with gratitude. It was as if my grass recognized the familiar care I was pouring into it, the nutrients and hydration it had long been waiting for. In the early morning light, as I tended to my small patch of earth, I felt a deep appreciation for its resilience.
My lawn, un-judging and patient, welcomed my efforts. At first thought, I like to believe it was thanking me for my renewed attention, a quiet acknowledgment that we are in this together. Driving to the trailhead, I can’t help but draw parallels between my journey and the path I’ve taken with my lawn. Both require patience, nurturing, and the understanding that growth often comes after a period of dormancy. In the tranquility of these early hours, I realize that gratitude manifests in many ways; sometimes, it’s found in the simplest acts of care, whether tending to the ground beneath my feet or embracing the serenity of the road ahead. As the sun began to rise, beyond the horizon, I carry this gratitude with me, a reminder that every journey, even one with my lawn, is worth the effort. And with each mile, I’m reminded that renewal is always possible, both in nature and in ourselves.
Reflections…
Lacing up my hiking boots and stepping onto a new path, I felt the gentle embrace of nature surrounding me. Today, however, felt especially significant, as my son, William, chose to rise early and accompany me on this reflective journey. The stillness of the open mountain air seemed to share whispers of resilience, the topic of today’s “trail-thought.” Today’s hike isn’t merely about the distance covered or the elevation gained; it’s also about the journey within, an exploration of the emotional tools I’ve gathered along the way. Over the past year, I have traversed the rugged terrain of grief and loss, with each step serving as a reminder of the love and cherished memories I hold close. I have leaned on a reliable companion, Emotional Intelligence (EI), which has acted as my trail map—guiding me through the dense fog of sorrow, aiding me in recognizing and managing my emotions, along with those of my children, as we continue to navigate this challenging path after the loss of their mother and my best friend.
EI has taught me the importance of self-awareness—the ability to pause and listen to my heart. It has shown me how to regulate my feelings, finding healthy outlets rather than letting them spill over like an untamed river. But recently, I stumbled upon a new trail that beckons, one that intertwines beautifully with EI: Emotional Resilience (ER). Like a sturdy tree that bends but doesn’t break in a storm, ER speaks to my capacity to bounce back from adversity. It’s not just about acknowledging the pain; it’s about adapting, coping, and moving forward, even when the path seems steep and uncertain. As I hike, I reflect on the tools of Emotional Resilience that I’ve begun to carry in my backpack. Acceptance has helped me acknowledge the impact of loss, allowing me to feel the weight of grief without being crushed by it. A positive outlook serves as my guiding star, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, there’s light to be found in memories of Kelly and the small victories each path brings.
I’m learning to embrace emotional regulation—practicing deep breathing when the weight feels heavy, and channeling my creativity into this very blog, transforming my trail-thoughts into reflections I can revisit when the feelings seem distant or fading. Flexibility is another tool I’m starting to wield more often. I’m learning to be open to the ebb and flow of grief, understanding that it’s a journey, not a destination—something to live with and not simply get through. Just as the landscape changes with each season, so too do my emotions. And as I ponder how to share these lessons with my children, I realize that my role as a father is to model this resilience. By encouraging open communication, I can foster a safe space where they can express their feelings, even when those feelings are on a different path than my own. By sharing coping strategies I’ve learned along the journey, I can encourage them to discover their own paths through the wilderness of grief. Together, we’ll forge shared rituals, honoring their mother’s legacy while also carving out new traditions that bring us closer.
Supporting one another, we can navigate this terrain side by side, reminding each other that we are not alone in our journey. Promoting self-care, I encourage them to take small, consistent steps towards healthy choices, nurturing their mind, body, and soul. As I reached today’s viewpoint, the lookout before me was breathtaking—a reminder of life’s beauty even amidst challenge. By combining the principles of Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Resilience, I see a path illuminated before us, one where we can embrace both the ups and downs, always finding joy in the love we share. Kelly wanted that for us, demanded that of us, and as we walk this trail together, I feel her presence, guiding us toward healing and hope. So, with each step I took today, I was reminded that this journey is about the lessons learned along the way. And for that, I am grateful. The path continues.
-Ken
- Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park, WA
- 46° 54′ 53.43372″ -121° 38′ 41.49564″
- 6.4 miles | 1,152 ft elevation gain | ~4 hours
- 40-48 degrees and clear
Musings 