Long, was Re: [at-l] Three years ago today...

[DaRedhead@aol.com (DaRedhead@aol.com)]

In a message dated 12/23/01 5:24:20 PM US Eastern Standard Time, 
Slyatpct@aol.com writes:


> I remember your posts about coming out of Mnt. Momas heading into the 
> Smokies.  

I remember those posts too.  Seems to me it was one of your best times on the 
Trail.  Some people might think it is lonely on xmas away from family and 
friends.  You found new friends and appreciated the little things that made 
it great, found people who made what could have been a lonely time a time 
alone, but not lonely.  This year is the leanest Christmas, as far as 
presents, my kids will ever experience (I hope).  But in actuality, we have 
each other . . . and as hiking the Trail breaks things down into the really 
important (food, shelter, and physical health), this Christmas in what could 
almost be called a poverty stage is breaking life down into those three 
essentials for us too.  Maybe that's why I love the Trail.  When you are 
there, you are rich in so many things, no matter how old and scratched up 
your gear is.  And maybe that's why last night, trimming a tree we didn't 
think we'd have this year, thanks to a teenager with a heart, we sat in total 
silence and gazed at it, my kids and me sitting on the couch all cuddled up 
kind of, looking at the sparkling lights and the ornaments that each had a 
meaning, above and beyond being an ornament . . . and why my five year old 
said at that point that even though Santa was having a tough year and 
wouldn't have as many presents to bring, it sure was nice that we had a 
beautiful tree and we were all cuddled up on the couch together. Cassy has a 
way with words, for a five year old - or for any age. 

The Trail is about the great things in life - that has nothing to do with 
"things".  And I think that's why Felix telling us about his Christmas on the 
Trail hit home then - and now.  If you missed it - archives, folks, archives.

And we have those archives thanks to Ryan.  In fact, we have this family, 
independent of, but a part of, the Trail community, thanks to Ryan.  So maybe 
now would be a good time to say Merry Christmas, Ryan, and thank you - for 
bringing us together, for ignoring our squabbles, for letting us be a family 
instead of making us conform to a set of rules that might be less flamatory 
but wouldn't be family.  This list helps future thru hikers - but isn't just 
about that.  This list is comprised of lots of folks who give much time and 
effort and money to Trail endeavors - but it isn't just about that.  This 
list has nothing but people who love the Trail - and it isn't just about that 
either.  

Thank you, Ryan, for recognizing that we needed a place to be together, to be 
with people who love the same thing, even though we all have different views 
on everything from politics to eminent domain to hiking sticks.  For letting 
us air those views without interference, trusting us to ultimately come back 
to what we all love.  Even when we get human and angry, or say things we wish 
we could take back, or lack a little in tact, diplomacy or even plain 
politeness.  You let us behave as a family, with warts and all.  You put up 
with a lot, given the time and money you have invested in this list.  I don't 
think mere words can express how much I, and so many others, appreciate what 
you've done here.  So I'll just say thank you, inadequate as that sounds, and 
Merry Christmas.

Red


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