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Re: [at-l] Warning: Long question

Hey Redhead,

Go with your mom, go peacefully, and enjoy the time you have with her.  I
agree with your reasoning that time is limited, and that it is far more
likely to be limited for someone who is older and has a history of
illness than for someone who is 4 and healthy.  Plus, as you said, your
baby has the love of all those other people and will be
well-taken-care-of.

I think there are some people who simply HAVE to make this walk.  it's
not a whim, it's not a lark, it's something they really, really have to
do.  It's a pilgrimage.  If you and your mom are like that, and it sure
seems like you are, then go for it.  Together.  Believe in it, and it
will change your life in so many  good ways.   You will have a very
special time together, and it's very important that you have that time
while you can.

My dad died of cancer at age 53, so I know.  He got it when I was 5, and
then was healthy until I was 15.  In those 10 years, we had a whole
lifetime's worth of experiences and adventures and closeness.  He had no
reason to think the cancer would come back, but he had learned the lesson
that everyone's time is limited and you gotta do things NOW.  I never
heard him say "I'll wait until I retire."  No, he did things NOW--this
weekend, this summer, this year.  And I'm grateful for that, and even
though I've always been healthy, I learned from it.  Do things now with
the people you love, and never miss a chance.

Plus, your baby will love to hear stories of your adventures, and see
pictures, and visit you on the Trail.  I know when I was a kid I loved to
tell about all the wild, adventurous things my parents had done.  I was
proud of them--and when I got older, they encouraged me to do similar
things.  Pass on the freedom!

Happy trails--and if anyone gives you a hard time, just realize they
don't  understand, don't  let it get to you, and keep right  on walking.

Amazin' Grace

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