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Sharing

Saturday the boy and I drove down to Calf Creek. Here's a pic (or two) of the lad:



Ammon is a great kid. He humors his old man in ways that are miraculous and ridiculous, all at the same time. We have a great relationship, one where we can share a lot of what's in us. On Saturday, we shared a long drive and a decent hike. It was six miles, round trip, and the falls were absolutely gorgeous. Ammon wanted to get back to cell phone land, though. He's got a bit of a new flame, and wanted to get back to texting. Bless.

But for a short time, while hiking, I had just my boy. And it was awesome.

It made me understand the importance of having someone with whom to share - both for him, and for me. It also made me understand that as much as he is like me, and as much as he truly likes me, he's my son, and he's from a different planet than the one I grew up in, and he doesn't really know me - the real me. He can't. And it's OK. 

But I long for that. I long for someone to understand me. To want to know me. To hold me close, physically and metaphorically, spiritually and emotionally, and someone I can hold close, in turn. It seems a very rare and precious thing, that. And maybe people don't understand it. Maybe they don't want it. Maybe I am expecting too much...

I was pretty proud of my old body, though. Six miles may not be a lot for some, but I sit at a desk most of the time, and I was concerned how my body would react. I do get some physical activity - I mow my lawn with one of these:


Which I like because it is physical activity. I have to mow a couple of times a week, and the mowing is always just slightly ragged (not super pristine and even). But I also like how quiet it is, and the mower speaks to my inner environmentalist (you save enough gas using one of these all summer to pay for a nice long road trip). (Or a short one, anyway). (OK, maybe it's just a little more environmentally friendly...) ;)

I also like that it's kind of a vintage way to mow. Although the machine itself is all modern and plastic, the thought of mowing the lawn like this is kind of fun.

Anyway, I was proud of my body for making it through the hike.

Next week, Elise and I take on Arches on a hike to Delicate Arch. :)

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