At church last Sunday, my mom wished me a happy anniversary.
I was confused. I am pretty good at remembering everything
but for some reason,
I couldn't think what November 17th was.
I thought perhaps she was confused and thought it was my wedding anniversary
with Mr. Nielson. {She was just a month and a day off}.
She told me that November 17th, 2008 was the day that I flew from the
wonderful Arizona Burn center to the wonderful University of Utah burn center
to finish my recovery and therapy.
That was a big deal in my recovery.
"I was on my way to University of Utah Burn Center on a
chartered medical jet, with Christian at my side.
The hospital staff wondered if I would be afraid to fly
and asked if I wanted a sedative.
I didn't. I was surprisingly relaxed.
Christian was by my side I knew we'd be fine.
I watched Christian glance nervously at the pilot every so often,
but I was calm as we left Arizona behind and flew over
Provo and the snowy heights of my beloved mountains.
"Are you in pain?" Christian asked, noticing the tears sliding down my cheeks.
I shook my head. "I'm OK." I looked out over the mountains that
had always seemed to nourish my soul.
I'd grown up in the shadow of those peaks and canyons.
I'd become a mother there.
The mountains had been a source of strength for me,
a place of revelation and also the
grounds for personal triumph as I proved myself on their trails.
I silently resolved that I would climb them again.
I would be back on those mountains.
My feet would hike every trail I have ever loved.
I didn't tell Christian, but I kept the promise close to my heart."
{taken from my memoir, Heaven is Here pg. 161}
I am back.
