Hiking for Hope and Healing

Hiking for Hope and Healing

• Posted on May 15, 2009 at 8:35 PM

Family Bonding in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park NS

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Look at this photo. What do you see? Do you see a happy family simply enjoying the outdoors together? Or perhaps a family who doesn’t always get to spend quality time together but being in the wilderness seemed to make that happen effortlessly? Well, those are very correct assumptions but there is a little more to this photo than what I mention above. You see, this photo was taken while my son was recovering from a very serious illness. An illness I prefer not to delve into but let’s just say it had been a very trying year for our family. Not only had my son suffered enough but the constant worry for his future had taken its toll on the rest of us as well. We were physically exhausted and emotionally fragile. But it was time to turn the corner so to speak. Things were beginning to look up for us from all perspectives and after going though such an ordeal we somehow began to appreciate the simple things in life just a little more. It’s funny how a serious illness does that to you, isn’t it? So we decided it was time to stop worrying and start living.

Some may say the idea of lugging backpacks over rugged terrain for an overnight excursion with two teen-aged boys would be far from an ideal break but for us it was the very thing we needed to reset our focus and bond as a family. I always knew the backcountry had a way of uncovering one’s true sense of wonder and awe about the world we live in but it wasn’t until we went on our mini-backpacking trip that I really felt the healing properties of the wilderness at work. And it wasn’t just me either. Normally my boys would have complained about going on yet another camping trip and then bicker the whole time we were gone – but not this time. We had been through enough already and it was time to get out and get some fresh air to clear the cobwebs. It was that simple!

So there it happened. It was Thanksgiving weekend in October of 2008 at Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Nova Scotia when my family and I hoisted on our packs, put our heads down then headed up the trail. There wasn’t a whole lot of talking going on but there wasn’t any arguing either. We stopped occasionally to take in a view, spy on some wildlife or quench our thirst. Yes, we were challenged, as it was mostly up hill, but the emotional rewards far exceeded the small physical discomforts. We were just relieved to be doing something fun – something uncomplicated – for a change.

When we got to our destination we found a cozy little spot under a stand of birch trees where the ground was blanketed in fall foliage. It was the perfect location in a perfect seasonal setting. We spent the evening beside our camp fire sipping on hot chocolate and roasting hotdogs while sharing some funny stories. Even our sleep that night was refreshing. Normally, my fear of the dark in the wilderness scares the whits out of me but not this time. This time I was just happy to be sleeping under the stars with my family.

The next morning, we stumbled out of our tent feeling a little stiff but rested nonetheless. Some weather had moved in through the night and it was misty but as the morning wore on, it gradually cleared up to be another nice cool day. We cooked a hearty breakfast before packing up and heading back down the trail. It was when we emerged from the forest to the open area close to the Bay when I suggested we set up the camera and take this snap shot. We were sore and damp but I wanted to capture the moment anyway. I can distinctly remember what I was thinking while the shutter clicked: I am so thankful for my family! I had renewed hope that everything was going to be ok but I wasn’t going to waste any more time being complacent either. It’s about living each day to the fullest and loving the people we care for to the fullest... while we can!