September 23, 2015
Seeking Solitude
Today, September 23, 2015, is the 3 year anniversary of the loss of my youngest daughter. Every year on this day, I have taken the day off from work to honor Kat and to find some solitude. This year, I anticipated spending the week at the Well of Mercy, where I have gone on retreat a couple of times. When I called to make reservations, I learned that they were booked for an event and my plans were simply not going to happen. Rats! Time to create Plan B.
At that time, my cousin was preparing to walk the Camino de Santiago (he’s back now). Pretty quickly I began to think about my own “mini-Camino”; a backpacking excursion. Backpacking is something I have wanted to do at least since I was Kat’s age. With the help of my old outdoor-enthusiast-friend Gerry and my new friend, Paige (Gerry’s daughter who works with Outward Bound) I am doing it! Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest.
The plan is to be out 3 nights on the trail. No goals for mileage or anything like that. I have nothing to prove to anyone. I just want to be safe and find a bit of solitude.
I’ll have the camera, so there will be photos. I hope to write about it, but we’ll see.
Jimazing Thoughts 
Carey said,
September 23, 2015 at 5:19 am
The Lord will be with you. I hope there will some writing.
Nathan Anderson said,
September 23, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Wonderdul! I’m so glad you’re doing this. I’ll be praying for comfort, rest and clarity. Love to you, Jeanne, and the girls on this day.
Annette said,
September 23, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Praying for safety and solitude for you, Jim. May you find peace in Pisgah…
Eugene Mobley said,
September 23, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Hey Jim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you connect with nature and feel that awesome healing spirit…
Safe journey my friend….
Brett Taylor said,
September 23, 2015 at 5:15 pm
Thinking of you Jim….sharing many feelings…this is life, now…..precious, and precious memories of the departed. My son Chris left at age 20 and it will be 10 years he has been gone this December 10.
David H said,
September 23, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Thank you for sharing Jim.. and I am thankful to have been a part of Kat’s life.