June 24-25, 2017
As we headed out on our 2nd annual family backpacking adventure this past weekend, we found out that our newest niece had just entered this world. As we rejoiced at this wonderful news, it occurred to me that backpacking is similar to child birth. Very similar. I also realized that, in my opinion, it's crazy that people choose to endure either experience. Yet, people DO choose to have babies. Again and again. Crazy people. And people DO choose to backpack. Again and again. And some people DO choose to have babies AND take said kids backpacking with them! Now those people, those people are really crazy!
Those people are us.
Which brings be back to my comparison to labor. At some point during it you realize you made a mistake and shouldn't be where you are at. You may feel like you might die. You may even wish you would to make the pain stop. You probably even admitted to yourself, if not out loud, that you would never endure such torture again. It can be prevented, you know. However, over time, the aches and pains fade away and you eventually catch up on (some) sleep. Then, when you look back on the experience you don't remember the bad parts.
When you look back, you remember how surprised you were that you survived the ordeal at all and how hungry you suddenly were once you realized it. You remember those beautiful pairs of eyes that look up at you, so dependent and full of trust, and those small hands and feet that are more capable than you could ever imagine. You remember those proud smiles when they, too, accomplish something that didn't seem possible. You remember that they think you know everything and in that moment you realize you know absolutely nothing. You remember how desperately you wanted to freeze time and stay in that euphoric moment forever (and you remember how much you simultaneously wished you were home, tucked snuggly in your own bed and could sleep without interruption all night long!). You remember that you are willing to do anything (including backpacking) for them.
You see, child birth and backpacking are very similar. The adventure can be long, hard and messy. Still, it's your own perfectly unique experience.
In the end, you are only left with your sweet memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment