FW: [at-l] at-l] One year ago today

[shellydhale at earthlink.net (Shelly Hale)]

Every time I mention my future thru hike, my mom climbs up on her soap box
to deliver that special sermon about crazy men out there who will kill you
just as soon as look at you.

She thinks I am especially crazy to attempt this since I have three children
(all girls).  However, my thought on this is that I did not die when I had
children.  Though, I did feel very tied down for a while.  Now, I feel like
I am getting into my second childhood.

Why can't I go and experience things like my husband does?   Why should I be
the one to stay at home all of the time?  Just because I am a mother?
Sheesh...it's not the stone age anymore!!!  Why is it such a bad thing to
leave my girls with Daddy for a few months?  I think it will be a great
bonding time for them.  And, my hubby is great with the girls.  He knows how
to cook and has several restaurants on speed dial (LOL).  He knows how to do
laundry, and he can even drive the girls anywhere they need to go.

OK...rant temporarily over.  I guess I need to have this discussion with
Momma once and for all and get it over with.  Maybe over the next 2 years
she will be used to the idea.

But, I would like to get some different points of view on these subjects.
1-What advice does anyone have for leaving the kids with Daddy?  (I
personally do not know of anything that he can't take care of while I'm
gone.)
2-Safety on the trail.  What can I tell Momma to allay her fears?
3-How many men out there would do this for their wives or significant
others? (Also, how would you feel about them going without you?)

Shelly Hale