One of my favorite stories from the Trail happened during a low point in my life. I remember the day — I decided to go out for my usual walk that afternoon.

As I rounded the first bend, I spotted what looked like a card sitting at the base of a flowering tree. I strained to see exactly what it was, but it was a bit far away. It was too tempting to pass by, so I walked down the embankment towards the tree while my mind chatter went something like this: “I wonder who it is for? Wouldn’t that be funny if it was for me? Oh no it can’t be for me, that’s ridiculous! But, you know, I think it may have my name on it!... “

This went on till I was inches from the tree looking at a card with “Karrie” on the envelope. It was damp from a little spring rain, but still readable. With the spelling of my name being somewhat unusual, I decided the card had to be for me and opened it in a bit of disbelief and delight.

Sure enough, it was from a Trail friend. In the note, she said: “I noticed you seemed a little down lately, so I just wanted to send you my good wishes. Hope you are feeling better soon.”

I later saw her and asked how she knew I would find the card because it was so far off the main path. She said, “You photograph all the flowering trees, I knew you’d find it.”

The gift here is of having been so fully seen.

~ KB