hiking after loss: mom’s 9-mile mountain journey
Yesterday, my 77-year-old mom laced up her hiking boots and tackled the Sandbeach Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park—a full 9 miles, up and back. It’s only been nine weeks since she lost her husband of 59 years. Honestly, I didn’t think she’d want to leave the house, let alone take on a mountain. But there she was, powering through switchbacks, stopping to catch her breath, and pointing out wildflowers like she always does.
I kept worrying she’d overdo it, but she just kept going, even when the trail got steep and rocky. I felt proud, but also a little anxious—should I have stopped her? Or is this her way of healing? I know a lot of us struggle with how to support our parents after a big loss. Sometimes I wonder if pushing yourself physically is a good distraction, or if it’s just too much. Has anyone else seen their mom or dad do something totally unexpected after losing a spouse?
#griefjourney #familystrength #hikingadventures #Travel