A Gift in Sean

Today my friend and I had planned to go hiking. She wanted to hike where she could get a view, I wanted to get some caches so I chose a spot in Ladysmith that would take us up to a lookout and then onto some old logging roads where there were lots of caches...not a pretty hike but it would fill both of our needs. 
Sadly, late last night, I received a phone call telling me of a middle aged man's sudden death. Sean was a man I had met through work about 10 years ago. He was a good man, a man who struggled in life and way too young to leave us. As I laid there thinking about Sean I knew our hiking plans had to change. I needed the trees, the quiet of the forest and some form of water. I needed to spend the day where I could connect with God and reflect on Sean and what he had brought to into my life. So when my friend arrived I told her of the change in plans. We would hike the 12 km Stocking Lake Loop, a bit of a view on the way up and lots of creeks, trees and peacefulness, it would be great and a hike we had wanted to do for some time. 

The first stream of many coming down the mountainsid

As we headed up the steep gravel path we came across many running streams. As we traveled deeper into the forest the creeks were surrounded with the deep green colour of the moss covering the rock and logs. The sights were so very beautiful to my eyes. 

Surrounded in beauty

As I stood by the creek I thought of Sean and all the gifts he had brought into the office. Although Sean had led a good life and worked hard he struggled with alcoholism, a terrible disease that affects so many people. Sean would faithfully show up every morning to see how things were with everyone at the church. If our caretaker needed a hand he would always be there willing to help steady the ladder or help with outside chores. He was always polite, always respectful and always had a story to tell. In days we were giving out pizza to those living on the street he would always make sure everyone had one before he would take his. Many times when I offered him one he would reply "Give it to someone who needs it, I will be okay"

The creek continually rushing downward

As I looked at the water rushing down stream I thought of the few things I actually knew about Sean, his pin and postcard collecting, his much loved cat and I wished I had spent more time with him but like the water rushing down the mountain side I am often rushing from one chore to the next in the busy office.
I knew this past year I had felt some frustration towards Sean and the fact that he continued to not be able to help himself. I hadn't always given him my full attention when he stopped in. It is a lesson I am continually learning it seems. Life is a gift, each person is a gift and we need to take the time to be with people and not let all the work and busyness interfere.

Looking out over the destruction at the ocean

We continued to hike and were surprised to find that the trail now had a huge view of the ocean because of the logging that was taking place on the hillside. We focused on the view and tried to pretend that we couldn't see all the destruction the logging had brought. Thankfully it will all be replanted and new growth will come.

Stocking Lake

Finally after two hours of climbing up we arrived at the peaceful lake. Such beauty brought calmness into our bodies. We stopped and I was so very thankful that we had decided to take this hike.

One  of the many beautiful views as we hiked around the lake

We hiked around the Lake finding wonderful little places to stop and breathe and just take in the quietness of the morning. 

A little hideaway we only found due to a cache that was hidden here.

Through the whole six hours we hiked we only met three or four other folks on the trail so we were able to chat but also share in moments of just listening to the silence of the forest.

The soft carpeted trail in among the cedar trees

 In some places the forest floor was so soft being built up with years of cedar tree decay. It was like walking on a soft carpet. There is something to be said for being out in nature and just observing. I am always so thankful for days on the trails. It gives me time to reflect on life and get away from the busyness it brings. 

A place up ahead to rest and just be in the moment

As we headed back down the mountain I gave thanks to Sean and all the gifts he brought into my life and the many others at the church. I am going to miss him in the morning when I return to work. There is going to be a void that will touch many people. 

A pathway leading us to ???

We never know where the pathways in life will take us. As my buddy tells me often, "Life can turn on a dime" and it is so very true. We need to make the most of every minute in life and take the time to build relationships with people and be there for them, through all the good times and all their struggles. 
Thank you Sean, for stopping by and asking how I was each day and thank you for today's hike. I felt your spirit hiking along with me today. I know you are at peace and no longer struggling - fly high!