Thanksgiving 2018: Celebrating a Year Full of Adventure
I think this last year has been the oddest of my life. It has been one of the best and felt at times like one of the worst. The low times included getting another concussion the week before my wife and I moved and I restarted school, holding my wife’s hand as she walked through sad personal stuff, uncovering a lot of deeply rooted issues of my own to work on (thanks in part to my concussion) and losing some of the most meaningful parts of my life during a long (ongoing) recovery–like running, working out, and playing sports.
But along the way I’ve learned so much, experienced so much, and come to so appreciate trust and safety, the fragility of the human heart, and the beauty of love, truly supportive friendships, and healing.
And looking back at the end of the year, the sad times are all but lost in the exciting and blissful memories of the adventures and inspiration this year has given me.
So happy Thanksgiving season 2018! Thanks for the adventures!
Some of the year’s happiest memories: Exploring the Smokies, Big Bend, Glacier, and the Rocky Mountains; Running my first official half marathon, rejoining Toastmasters, marathoning all the Marvel movies with my best buddy Lyssi, moving into and decorating a new place with said buddy, discovering the story-telling of Neil Gaiman, officiating the wedding of two of my favorite people (one of the most meaningful experiences in my life), and buying an awesome new Yamaha digital piano and playing it for hours and hours and hours.
Appalachian Trail near Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, November 26, 2017Charlies Bunion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, November 26, 2017Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, November 27, 2017First steps on our 17 mile hike, Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, February 26, 2018Casa Grande and the Pinnacles, Big Bend National Park, February 26, 2018View of Lost Mine Peak, Big Bend National Park, February 26, 2018Emory Peak, elevation 7825 ft, Big Bend National Park, February 26, 2018Panoramic of South Rim, Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, February 26, 2018Panoramic of Santa Elena Canyon, Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park, February 27, 2018Playing in the snow during winter’s last big snowfall, Louisville Swamp Area, April 3, 2018Apgar Lookout trail, Glacier National Park, June 13, 2018Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, June 13, 2018Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, June 14, 2018Grinnell Glacier, Many Glaciers, Glacier National Park, June 15, 2018Glacier Half Marathon finishers, East Glacier Park, Montana, June 16, 2018First steps in the Rockies, Bear Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 16, 2018Nymph Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 16, 2018Peaceful snooze, Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 16, 2018South Saint Vrain Creek and Canyon, Roosevelt National Forest, August 17, 2018Elevation 14,265 ft, scariest drive and highest point yet, Mount Evans, Colorado, August 17, 2018Peak 12,150, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 18, 2018Majestic alpine terrain near Peak 12,150, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 18, 2018Incredible view from near the top of the highest paved through-road in the states, Rocky Mountain National Park, August 18, 2018
If these thoughts help you, share them with your own tribe. We're all in this together.
I have a passion for helping others, and that is why I write. I believe that sharing our experiences and discoveries in life is the best way to make a difference. After all, we're all in this together.
(My opinions and endorsements are my own and do not represent my employer.)
View all posts by Peter Elbridge
One thought on “Thanksgiving 2018: Celebrating a Year Full of Adventure”
I’m so glad you and Lyssi are getting to see all these beautiful places up close! May God give you many more such opportunities through all your years ahead!
peterelbridge.com 
I’m so glad you and Lyssi are getting to see all these beautiful places up close! May God give you many more such opportunities through all your years ahead!
LikeLike