Hudson Valley Astrologer

“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.”

~ Barry Finlay

Imagine a time before cell phones and digital pictures. Next, consider climbing to the top of Overlook Mountain with a four year old and six year old but not having a camera to capture the moment which clearly you would look back on with fond memories.

That “little” hike above the Zen monastery, and past the old hotel ruins, peaks at the fire station. Looking back I probably could have been reported to CPS (Child Protective Services) because I had no water or food. It was a warm fall day and by the time we reached the top we were all parched and tired. What was I thinking?

Maybe there was a fair amount of projection going on… I was dealing with a personal issue that made the hike something of a metaphorical journey, but my daughters really didn’t need to “learn” ‘my’ lesson. I felt like I was living my life: “One step at a time! Don’t give up!”, I kept repeating to myself. The girls were such good sports. And whether they deserved it or not they’ve taken that “lesson” to heart and have grown into amazing young women. “One step at a time!”

As it turned out we hiked on the day that the board of the foundation overseeing the property selected to celebrate the 150th anniversary for the fire station. There was a veritable picnic at the top. Thank God! Hamburgers, hotdogs, and soda that the opened the girls eyes as big as the paper plates they came on.

One of the organizers spotted me and came over to say hi. She dragged her mother along who introduced herself and they both took an interest in the girls, amazed that they made the ascent on their own. A little incredulous perhaps that their father didn’t have any water.

We’ve been on thousands of hikes since and I joke that it’s probably because my girls anticipate a picnic at the peak of every mountain. But on this occasion the sweetest young woman offered to take our picture, and mail it to us (texting and email were still not a thing).

She did, and her thoughtfulness and kindness toward my daughters is a constant reminder everyday — when I glance over at the frame holding the picture, that people, even strangers, can be delightful.

HVA

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