Hello...again

[Hawkwind]

I've been MIA for three years - so I wanted to say hello again, especially to the NEHHA members. I've missed you folks!

My mom was diagnosed with cancer three years ago the first week of October. Her courageous cancer journey ended on September 16th. From the very beginning she had many complications and her care took up all of the attention of my dad and I. I had put off a planned Long Trail hike to be at a September wedding that year, and she became ill a week after the wedding. I was very glad I stayed off the trail to be by her side with my dad.

So, with my mom passing - it's time for me to get back into the hang of things and get myself ready for a 2017 Long Trail hike.

And oh my...I'm already tweaking my beloved Hennessy Expedition yet again! So many new ideas since I had to leave the forum! I really look forward to catching up!

~Hawkwind

[Mtn hanger]

Sorry to hear about your mom.

[brianb]

Sorry to hear, but time outdoors is good for coming to terms with things. Welcome back and get out there.

[Hawkwind]

Sorry to hear about your mom.

Thank you Mtn hanger.

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[Hawkwind]

Sorry to hear, but time outdoors is good for coming to terms with things. Welcome back and get out there.

Thank you brianb. I agree. My mom loved the outdoors as much as I, so getting back to the woods I love so much may bring a bit of emotion...but I believe a lot of healing will come to my heart and mind.

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[TrailSlug]

My condolences on the passing of your mother. The woods is an excellent place to go to reflect on the good times and to clear the mind of all the clutter. Welcome back.

[NarlocB]

Welcome back to the forums. I'm sure your mom will be with you every step you take while hiking. Sorry for your loss.

[Hawkwind]

My condolences on the passing of your mother. The woods is an excellent place to go to reflect on the good times and to clear the mind of all the clutter. Welcome back.

Thank you TrailSlug, you are so right. The woods have always been where I go to 'regroup'. Good to be back! I cannot believe how much I've missed while being away! It's rather exciting to see what's new in hammock hanging.

[Hawkwind]

Welcome back to the forums. I'm sure your mom will be with you every step you take while hiking. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you NarlocB. I was going to use a "Spot" so she could keep track of me. She traveled quite a bit over the years, and although she camped when I was kid, she wasn't a 'backpacker' ...so she was always a bit worried about me 'being out there alone'. While she was coping with her cancer she wanted to read about women backpackers, so I gave her a stack of my books and she finally started to understand that backpackers are a 'family' that keeps watch over each other. I know she'll be 'watching' over me.

[johnspenn]

Hello and welcome from Marietta GA.

We're glad for our loved ones when their struggles are over, but we miss them. God be with you.