May 13, 2018 – Yosemite National Park, California

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom…

I think to myself as I jam my left foot into the crack. At least I talked to her the other day. With no cell service at the farm, and certainly none in this breathtaking park, I have no way of contacting her without going for a lengthy drive. Besides, it’s not every day I get an invitation to go climbing in Yosemite.

My left hand grips the edge of the crack; my right scours the cliff face for a decent hold. I lift my right foot up onto a small ledge. My first outdoor climb. A rare occasion indeed – the only reason I’m here today can be attributed to a chance encounter that occurred a couple years ago when I was in Montana. My cousins and I took a trip to Yellowstone National Park and stopped by the “Boiling River.” A single woman was passing by us in the river, and one of my cousins helped her through a rocky path. We chatted with her briefly, then again as we were leaving. She told us her name (Tara) and how she had left her job for a life on the road.

Say no more.

I was instantly attracted; we connected online. We kept in touch here and there, but much more frequently over last winter. I was debating where to go for year four of my journey, and California sounded just fine to me. So here I am. We first met up for dinner and drinks a week or so ago. This time, we met up with a few new friends of hers, who seem to be very experienced climbers.

I continue making my way up “Jamcrack” as Tara belays for me. It feels like a perfect climb for beginners, of which I am. I eventually reach the top and take a moment to enjoy the view of Yosemite Valley. This place is astonishing. Upon returning to terra firma, I thank my new friends for the experience, Tara for the invitation…

… and my mother for the opportunity.

“May each of us remember this truth; ‘one cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God.’ Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.” – Thomas S. Monson