Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Day to Remember at Tallulah Gorge


We arrived at "Cottontail Cottage" on a Saturday evening. We were all tired by the time we got there after 7 hours of driving and just the anticipation of a much needed vacation. We had all been counting down the days until this time. Like every road trip with family, I dreamed of being the "Cleaver's" but by the time we arrived, we were more like the "Osbourne's" (minus the potty mouth). I was tired, feeling taken for granted....I had worked so hard for this time and even though the scenery was absolutely beautiful, things between Mike and I were a little strained. I was worn out from having to watch road signs instead of the beautiful mountain scenery. I'm sure Mike was worn out from having to watch the road in unfamiliar mountainous terrain, instead of viewing the scenery. He was probably also worn out from my constant criticism of his driving. I was sad when my head hit the pillow on Tuesday night, our trip up until then had been anything but romantic. I would look at our own children with their future spouses and think silently to myself, "Seize the day, that was once us". I prayed for Mike and I as I drifted off to sleep that night...I prayed that we could love and enjoy one another's company. Then the next morning (Wednesday), I prayed that God would enable me to keep my mouth shut. Wednesday was completely different. The mood was light from the time we woke up. I knew we had intended to hike into Tallulah Gorge all week and I had said things to Mike (kinda jokingly, kinda not) like "Do you think you can do it..." We hiked down into the gorge (I forget how many thousand steps it is into the gorge), by the time we hit the bottom of the stairs, my legs were shaking. When we reached bottom, we went through the gate and would have to cross boulders in order to go into the bottom of the gorge. I froze....all of a sudden I was totally dependent on God and Mike. Mike looked at me and said, "We can do this". All of a sudden I was reminded of how safe and protected I've always felt with Mike as my husband. I was reminded that he is still very much the man that I fell in love with in 1984 - almost 25 years ago. I got to see the bravery of my husband and of my son as they both guided Stephanie and I across the slippery and wobbly rocks of a very swift river fed by a very large waterfall (called the "Hurricane). I began thanking God for His gentle reminders and from that moment on our vacation changed. This was an experience that I will always treasure. Mike said that when he counsels married couples in the future, he is going to recommend a hike into the gorge.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your pics from your trip and the review of your time at Tallulah Gorge. This was one of our favorite family trips too! You're right, hiking is a great way to connect with each other especially in the Gorge where it can get tiring and you have to encourage each other! Angel

Barbara said...

Isn't it beautiful there? We enjoyed our trip through there last fall as well. Hope your vacation is wonderful...what great memories with your family before your daughter "leaves and cleaves".

Barbara said...

Isn't it beautiful there? We enjoyed our trip through there last fall as well. Hope your vacation is wonderful...what great memories with your family before your daughter "leaves and cleaves".

The Kerce Family said...

I'm so glad you are getting to spend this time with your family. Stay safe and have fun!

Aunt Angie said...

What a great "life story"!! (Sounds like some of our own!)

Is that near Tallulah Falls??? (I have only seen that sign as we drive up to Ellijay, GA each year)

I enjoyed this post. I'm gonna finish on down the page but I wanted to stop here and just tell you I loved the honesty shown in "real marriage"...it's what we all have, but few really share the "guts" of it all!

We have our times "at times" too!

Have a blessed week!!! (I came by from Barbara at the Ivy Path)