An Angel's Landing

While we were in Michigan, my siblings and I discussed where our Mom would want her and Jimmy's ashes to be scattered. In a month, some of us would be heading out west for our brother Joel's wedding at Zion's National Park. At the park is a beautiful and very high peak called Angel's Landing. Because Jimmy and my mom met in souther Utah while traveling with the carnival, we thought this location would be a perfect resting spot for "Angel" and Jimmy Urquhart.

This past month has been a crazy time in our life. Running scout camps, an overhaul clearing out of the house, keeping the kids busy, a quick trip to PA, etc...Having so much to do has been a blessing and has helped me to put my focuses elsewhere. However, often times I've felt this sudden and overwhelming feeling of emptiness and sadness. No tears, but an aching feeling, wishing I could just pick up the phone and call my Mom and not really wanting to think about saying goodbye.

So as we went through security in our way out west, I was caught off guard by my emotions. Because we were carrying two bags of ashes, our bag needed checked and tested for suspicious substances. The TSA worker was very professional and apologetic, but while she performed the test the reality of saying goodbye hit me. And I started to cry. The finality of it all. I know that I will see my mom again. But knowing that I won't see her or talk to her again during this life is hard.

After Joel and Jamie's wedding, Jeff, Tara, Rob and I set out for the 5 mile hike to and from Angel's Landing. Knowing my fear of heights, hiking to the top of Angel's Landing would not be a reality for me, but we heard there was a good spot before the last scary part that was beautiful. We wound our way up the mountain, switchback after switchback. It was so hot and our legs were feeling the burn if the climb. Once we got to the top we realized that there were too many people around, so we sent Rob off to finish the hike to the peak while Jeff, Tara and I went further up the west rim to find the perfect spot for our Mom.

A little further up we found a small tree on the edge of the steep cliff (over 1000 feet up) a little off the beaten trail. The view of Angel's Landing from this spot was spectacular! It was dramatic! I imagined my mom flying off the cliff towards Angel's Landing. She would have loved the beauty of it all. Jeff offered a simple and touching prayer. We then scattered Janet "Angel" and Jimmy Urquhart underneath this little tree.

We took several photos of the location so that we can come back and visit it again with hopes of leaving a little Angel memento there one day.

As I hiked down to meet Rob, I was so grateful for this special moment. I know that my mom was pleased and happy with her resting place. Truly, this was a beautiful day.