Today my four oldest children embark on a journey of their own. Every year for the past ten years Eric and friend, Dave L. would take a bunch of kids on a hike. Three years ago it was Mt. Whitney. Two years ago it was a repeat of Half Dome. And, last year they climbed a few high peaks in the wilderness area above Yosemite. This year they will be hiking in a place below Yosemite...without Eric.
Dave has lovingly called this the Eric Davis Memorial Hike. I tear up just typing this. Eric loved the nature that God placed around us and was in his element while up in the wilderness. His most eloquent, spiritual moments were when we were hiking or camping in the forest. He enjoyed these many outings with our children. Goose was the reason why Eric started these yearly trips and hence the reason why Goose gets the award for being on the most hikes. He has succeeded on all ten hikes so far. The past few years Eric added a girl or two and last year was Miss Daisy's first trip with a pack on her back.
This year all four bio children will make this trek in the wilderness. I find myself crying out to God to protect them and keep them from harm. It is not an easy task to keep my heart from fear but I know that I HAVE to. I have to let them go and explore the world out there. I have to let them feel the pain of death and the sorrow of not being with their dad on this trip. It breaks my heart to know that my children will all face this without me...but they will face it with their heavenly Father who is by far a better comfort than I can ever be.
I know full well that my kids will not be the only ones dealing with their grief. There are men and children who became close to Eric that will be traveling this same trail. I hope and will be praying that this weekend will give them the time they need to grieve and yet make new memories that will guide them in the years to come.
~Lazyd
Dave has lovingly called this the Eric Davis Memorial Hike. I tear up just typing this. Eric loved the nature that God placed around us and was in his element while up in the wilderness. His most eloquent, spiritual moments were when we were hiking or camping in the forest. He enjoyed these many outings with our children. Goose was the reason why Eric started these yearly trips and hence the reason why Goose gets the award for being on the most hikes. He has succeeded on all ten hikes so far. The past few years Eric added a girl or two and last year was Miss Daisy's first trip with a pack on her back.
This year all four bio children will make this trek in the wilderness. I find myself crying out to God to protect them and keep them from harm. It is not an easy task to keep my heart from fear but I know that I HAVE to. I have to let them go and explore the world out there. I have to let them feel the pain of death and the sorrow of not being with their dad on this trip. It breaks my heart to know that my children will all face this without me...but they will face it with their heavenly Father who is by far a better comfort than I can ever be.
I know full well that my kids will not be the only ones dealing with their grief. There are men and children who became close to Eric that will be traveling this same trail. I hope and will be praying that this weekend will give them the time they need to grieve and yet make new memories that will guide them in the years to come.
~Lazyd
7 comments:
What a crucial hike! I will be praying for your children this weekend....and for you, too!
Your children are amazing young women and man of God! Praying for them this weekend. Do you have any plans to do with the little ones?
You didn't mention how long they would hike. I don't know if it was a one-day hike or if they'll sleep over a night or two. They'll have a blast. Would have been better if Eric was still here to go with them but they will think of their dad a lot on this hike I'm sure so I will do a lot of praying for them
Marj
Marvelous and tender blog you have here. I will remember your sweet family when I pray.
Joining you and the others in prayer for your family as always and especially this weekend!!!
Because of Christ,
Kelly
Jeremiah 31
Heather,
Could those 4 be your kids?! They just look so grown up in that picture. They are such great kids! You can be so proud. I have been thinking of you and them since I read the blog yesterday morning. Life indeed does go on and yet such things are hard to do and yet need to be done. I look forward to hearing their memories and stories from their hike.
love you all bunches!
-Valerie
Heather,
Could those 4 be your kids?! They just look so grown up in that picture. They are such great kids! You can be so proud. I have been thinking of you and them since I read the blog yesterday morning. Life indeed does go on and yet such things are hard to do and yet need to be done. I look forward to hearing their memories and stories from their hike.
love you all bunches!
-Valerie
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