Not Alone On the Trail

Not Alone On the Trail
            Isolation is one of the worst things about tough life situations. Many of us don’t reveal troubles when we need help the most.
            A problem can feel so severe that we think no one could help even if we asked. Or we’ve sunk so deeply in our sea of troubles we can’t pull ourselves above the surface to reach for support.
            There are as many examples of why we might feel this way as there are individuals in the world.
            A key element for our family is the struggle to help our severely autistic family member. Having a special needs child is an evolving set of issues that starts early on and never really ends. Some stretches are tougher than others.
            At our worst point, we sank toward hopelessness when our son’s overwhelming sensory and neurological challenges kept us virtually trapped at home.
            Sometimes an opportunity appears just as despair is taking hold. A gifted young teacher helped pull our son—and our entire family—back out into the world right when our future looked bleakest.
            Though he is no longer here on earth, that young man’s help allowed us to keep reaching out for support. Cultivating relationships with people willing to help special needs families has brightened our lives.
            Whatever your life challenge, someone in the world will lend a helping hand. If you don’t find help the first time, ask again. Don’t give up.
            There is a person out there who will be glad to walk on part of your path together.
            This week’s Hike Notes brings visitors to the Pioneer Tree Trail, a woodsy walk through old growth redwoods in Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. 
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 91: Pioneer Tree Trail