Nature Reflection #9

 



My dad grew up in Grand Junction on the western slope of Colorado. When he was 9, his dad and grandpa bought a cabin on Trout Lake, just outside Telluride. It quickly became his favorite place- with all of the fishing, skiing, and exploring he could ever want to do. It birthed a life-long love affair with that part of the country. However, when he was a senior in high school, his parents got divorced and his dad sold the place. He lost his favorite place but dreamed for the next 30 years of getting back there. So when a 10-acre property 40 minutes outside of Telluride opened up and by the grace of God my parents and aunt and uncle were able to secure it, it was full circle dream come to. What was his favorite place has quickly become mine. Thoroughly removed from the bustling world, these two cabins sit on beautiful land with beautiful views and endless list of things to do. I have been there four times now and I don’t feel happier and more at peace anywhere else in the world. This fall break, I was able to bring four of my close friends out there and spend an amazing four days up there. We hiked, ate, chopped wood, cleared brush, rode ATVs, laughed and reflected on the important things in life. The most amazing part for me was how much joy I felt in showing other people this place. It was even better then my own personal experiences up there. This picture here is not the most beautiful from the weekend, but represents that joy I had. It still does not feel that the place is ours. I keep waiting for someone to say “alright, times up, time to give it back”. But the fact of the matter is it is ours to keep and I feel blessed to able to bring people together there for rest of my life. There is something special about knowing a place will be important to you so early on its tenure. Usually that comes from looking backward. I hope I never lose the sense of gratitude I feel for that place and the property.

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