Epilogue

July 9th-As we are enroute to Colorado Springs, I am numb with emotion.  I have thought of what this moment would be like many times.  It was hard leaving the Tetons knowing this was the end of our journey.  It has been a wonderful journey and kind of like having children:  it was the best thing and hardest thing we have ever done.  We saw amazing places and I’m so grateful for the incredible country we live in and the sacrifices of those who came before us.  It was a joy to see Janae and Stefan connect with each other in creative ways as they collaboratively made numerous moss huts, Indian and sand villages.  Each place has a beauty all its own and it became a joke that mommy never wanted to leave each place.  The old and new friends we met along the way were as beautiful as the scenery helping us create a tapestry of stories and experiences that will be with us forever.   

I have a sense of joy and peace for all we have seen and experienced.   I’m grateful for the lingering moments.  I so want to cherish intimate and quality time with my family void of outside competition. I also am experiencing a sense of grief and loss as I know these lingering moments will come even farther and fewer as we return to the tyranny of schedules, work and activities.  I regret the tension and conflict along the way and wish it would have been smoother. 

The numerous bike and boat rides all over the country were awesome and I hope that as the months and years unfold, we will all count our lives richer and deeper for  having stepped out of the mainstream this year to discover our country and ourselves.

stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa on way home.

I loved having Miss Jim B adorned with handwritten scriptures

Nanny Ruth, we missed you and are so glad to see you!