AT Thru-Hike #30 – The Voice From My Pack

The Voice From My Pack

Woke up this morning, felt the weight of my heart,
Didn’t feel like hiking, didn’t even wanna start.

It’s been just nine months, but the pain feels so real,
Some wounds do persist, some hearts never heal.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

My dear mother loved me, and my sisters too,
Hearts as big as hers, there just are so few.

But no phone calls today, or sweet cards to sign,
No flowers to send, to this precious mother of mine.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

I don’t call the shots, didn’t hang the stars and moon,
But from my vantage point, God took mom too soon.

Guess he needed an angel, and she fit the bill,
He’ll put her to work, but I miss her still.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

So I’m hiking the AT, hike most every day,
Told mom I would do it, she told me she’d pray.

I know mom’s in heaven, but today I shed tears,
We just have her ashes, and memories to hold dear.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

Got out of my tent, and laced up my boots,
What’s in store today, mom?…probably more rocks and roots.

One step at a time, in the snow and the rain,
With mom in my backpack, we’ll make it to Maine.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

At Katahdin’s summit, I’ll see mom’s smiling face,
I’ll kneel to the ground, where her ashes I’ll place.

Our journey will have ended, as mother and son,
But she’ll remain in my heart, I’ll still miss her a ton.

A pouch with her ashes, a voice from my pack…
“Keep hiking son, I’ll forever have your back.”

I thank God for her life, and all she means to me,
Our moms are so special, I think you’ll agree.

If your mom is still living, I so envy you,
Tell her you love her, cards alone just won’t do.

To the pouch with her ashes, to the voice from my pack…
“I’ll keep hiking mom, and never look back.”

I love you, Mom! Happy Mothers Day! Now let’s go climb that mountain together…

Fob

Mom on Board
Mom on Board

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13 thoughts on “AT Thru-Hike #30 – The Voice From My Pack”

    1. Thank you, Helen. With often no one around, writing is a way to process things.

  1. Such a good job with the thoughts and poem! Showing your Love for your wonderful Mother – Very touching! Hope you are having a good day after getting yourself out and started. Continue to pray for your safety!

    1. Thanks Betty and Phil. After an emotional morning, it’s been a good day. Hiked 11.5 miles to Pearisburg VA, half in rain, half in sun.

    1. Thanks, Maureen! It kind of hit me from out of the blue this morning. Blessed to have had her as a mom.

    1. Thanks, Babe…emotional morning on the trail but it was so good talking to you! See you Tue night!!!

  2. Absolutely beautiful, Steve. I’ve been thinking about your Mom while you’ve been hiking. I think of her as your trail angel … encouraging, laughing, leading the way … another big adventure with Peggy! May God provide you peace and comfort … and safety.
    Sarah Keith

  3. Steve,

    That was a wonderful tribute to your Mom. I know he would be proud of you. I am:-)

    Darrell

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