Every summer for years, my son and I would spend nearly every weekend in the mountains together. Aside from heading west, our days were always unplanned. We explored just about every trail we could find and took each road we saw, just to see where it would lead.
With him riding as my backpack, we hiked through miles of beautiful mountain terrain. Some days we would picnic along the edge of a stunning lake. Other days, I would watch as my son would grab sticks, throw his shoes off and play in the river. No matter what we did or where we ended up, we always had fun together.
That was our bonding time. It was also where we would find peace from our otherwise hectic schedules. Each trip went smoothly and we always came home with such wonderful stories to tell and memories made.
As I looked back through all my photos to find one to post here, I realized that it’s been 3 years since our last day-trip together. No wonder I’ve been craving the mountains so badly. I miss the smell of the air, the breeze as it flows through the trees and the sounds of wildlife.
Most of all, I miss spending that special time with my son. Those days have always meant so much to me. It’s our time to do whatever we want and go where ever we choose. It’s carefree, peaceful and fun. Best of all, there’s no distractions. It’s just the two of us, enjoying our time together. Us and nature. Nothing can replace that.
Summer cannot come soon enough.
Me - Who am I? 
When my son Lock, who will be 15 in June, started school it was the most heartbreaking moment for me. He had been my little shadow and my buddy for so long that I was just aching when I left him at school. I have an older son but I had to work when he was a toddler. I had gotten to be a stay-home-mom with Lock. At the time Lock went back to school I was about 4 months pregnant with my 3rd baby. That first day of school for Lock, though, was hard, especially since he couldn’t wait to go and be like big brother. When I got home from dropping him off I was about to have a little cry when I felt the baby move for the first time, and instead of crying I laughed. It was like he was saying, “Hey! Remember me? I’m stuck in here now but just wait.” I still miss Lock being my little shadow, though. 🙂
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It is hard when we first lose that little shadow of ours. To me, that’s one reason why it’s so important to make the most of the time we do have with them. When they’re little we have all the time in the world, but they grow up so fast. Before we know it, they’re in school, college, married. It’s wonderful that when your little shadow left, you had another shadow following right behind him.
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The Tween and I try to have a mother/daughter day a couple of times each year. We generally shop, see a movie or go bowling. I think we’re due for another one actually. Thanks for the nudge. 🙂
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Mother/daughter days are the best. My mother and I used to have them a few times a year also. We still do, when I go to visit. I hope you both get yours soon. They’re so special.
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Very sweet :=) I love being outdoors with my children, we spend a lot of time hiking trails in the summer as well.
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Thank you. Nothing beats being outdoors with them. They learn so much, get to express their creativity and most off all, it’s great for bonding. Good to hear that you do it too.
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It is memories like the ones you shared that are the staples, the pillars, of a fond childhood and a healthy relationship; that does, in no way, mean it is time for them to end! I do hope you get your time with your son, and I hope it lives up to all of the beautiful memories:D
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That’s right, Benjamin. I agree. It’s never the time for it end. No matter the age or the distance, there is always time and plenty of opportunities for making memories. Thank you. Summer is right around the corner. Until then, it’s lots of card and board games, and of course, hot cocoa.
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Your time with him will be golden for both of you down the road. I didn’t get a lot of “alone” time with my kids. And I treasure each moment I did have. I hope your summer is full of hikes and exploring for both of you!
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Golden, yes it will! I’m looking forward to it. Not having alone time is okay. Any time can be special, as long as our focus is on them. However, I do very much enjoy our alone time.
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What great memories! I only went camping growing up a few times, and so as an adult I’m learning because it’s been such a great bonding time with Mr. T – and we always go with a group and have a blast! Now a days we do different things to have some good quality bonding time and I never regret it!
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It does make for a wonderful bonding opportunity. With no distractions to worry about, all the attention can be on each other. Any time of quality time is good. Old fashioned quality time.
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Sounds wonderful.
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It sure does. 🙂
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The peacefulness and rejuvenation nature offers. I grew up on a mountainside and it is so odd for me to live in a place that is so flat. Still, I love the feeling that being outside brings, and to share that with someone you love…priceless!
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What a wonderful way to grow up that would be. It would be quite a change to leave that for the plains. I grew up surrounded with trees and water. Where I live now there’s not much of either, unless I drive 45 minutes. I agree, there is something very special and peaceful about being outdoors. Nothing beats it.
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Nothing at all 😉
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My BEST memories are being in the outdoors with my dad. We passed that along to our kids, with the exception of our daughter. I loved those times of card games, hikes, and the whopper made up campfire tales.
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They do make the best memories, don’t they? Same here. All my best memories are of camping and hiking with my family. It’s great that you passed that on to your children, then they can do the same with theirs. We never told the campfire tales. I was too much of a chicken. Had they done that, I would have ran in the tent with my hands over my ears. Great times!
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Our stories weren’t scary. The kids made them up about subjects such as Tree Head. A guy who was shaped like a stalk of broccoli, and had all types of adventures. They had some great story telling abilities. I guess that’s why they are still a challenge to me today. 🙂
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Now those are creative!
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Reading your lovely post brought these ‘Wordsworth’ lines to mind.
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
What is it about such nature-linked memories that make them persevere so?
Shakti
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That is beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. Nature offers that peace and mental comfort that can’t be found anywhere else.
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