Several years ago, our extended family went on a trip to the island of Kauai.  My memories of that trip include feral chickens and a hike that was more than I bargained for in effort and beauty.  

This was back in the day when I thought I was physically fit.  Grandma Red had the good sense to stay behind along with a few other family members.  I, on the other hand, didn’t think twice.  We took off on this trek that was going to take us to some amazing waterfalls and “The Land of Hanalei” from Puff the Magic Dragon fame.  I did not want to miss this.  

All went well for about a mile.  Then the terrain got steeper.  The undergrowth got slipperier.  Rocks and boulders got bigger.  And my confidence disappeared. As I was falling farther and farther behind, Brother-in-law Steve and Brother Ed came to my rescue.  They kept pace with me and when I needed help, their arms became my railing.  They practically lifted me up the mountain and braced me coming down.  I was one happy hiker when we returned to the trailhead!

The waterfalls were beautiful, Hanalei Bay breath-taking and I made it back in one piece with nothing broken.  I did collect bruises, blisters, and a heavy dose of humility, but I had frolicked in Puff Country.  It was a good day.

Just last week I was navigating the bleachers at Malad High School during a volleyball game.  I was a little wobbly and climbed past Steve in-route to my seat.  His arm immediately went up to support my assent, at the same time Ed was helping Grandma Red take on the stairs.  Deja vu!  Wow, from the mountains of Kauai to the bleachers of MHS, I was more than a little happy to have help.  

The help of friends and family make it possible to see wonders near and far.  Wonders like waterfalls, volleyball games and feral chickens keep us smiling, and smiling makes for the Good Life!