March Hiking Update

21 days into March, I am a little over 21 miles into the March Hiking Challenge- Epilepsy Foundation.  

Thank you to everybody who was a part of this so far.  In late February, I was transitioning in my grief, and after our Valentine's dance and Valentine's wall, it was feeling extra empty.

I didn't post the link to the fundraising page, as I didn't want to ask my friends and family to donate more.  I am still in awe of ways that our community has supported us.  But when my friends, family and coworkers started to donate, it was very important to me.  Thank you for reminding me that Audrey more than just an important part of our family, but also a large part of other communities.  It really did help me in ways that I haven't articulated yet, and can't find a way to express yet.  For those friends who donated from way back who I haven't been in contact with since way before Audrey became a part of our lives, thank you!  I'm sorry that you didn't get to meet her in life, but it moves me that you see how awesome she is.

Last week we did a family hike at Atwood Forest Preserve.  Audrey loved Atwood.  This is Audrey in the leaves at the CCC shelter at Atwood.

And Audrey hiking with me and Hannah.

Audrey loved being with her cousins.

And those same cousins joined us this past Sunday.
                  

Last Sunday, we took a family hike to the Distillery Road Forest Preserve 


Last Saturday, Hannah, my mom and dad and I took a family hike at Lyman Woods in Downer's Grove.



3 weeks ago, we took our first hike which was to Fullersburg Woods by Oakbrook.
 

It has been nice to get out and take some deliberate time to hike.  As I am writing this, it is March 21 and Audrey has been gone for over 7 months.  It has been nice to think about all the times we went hiking with Dree, and to make time to have her presence felt.


Our family and friend hikes have been nice ways to remember Audrey.  I have also done some morning hikes just Bruno and I.  During these hikes, it has been nice to feel Audrey's presence.

                                          
I've got 9 more days and a little under 20 miles left.  Thanks for the motivation


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