09/04/2026
I finally walked the path my dad ran. My dad would run the Pikes Peak Marathon each year, and when he died, I always wanted to hike the very path his feet touched. It’s taken me 32 years to face my fears, lay down my burdens, and just heal. Reaching the very top of the mountain, touching the rocks my father may have touched, and seeing the strength it took for him to do such a race, I was overcome by pure emotion and a lack of air. But I did it, Dad. I met you atop the mountain and I celebrate you. I laid more burdens down on top of the mountain and I feel your essence up on Pikes Peak. Experiencing all these emotions next to my brother—the only bit of you left here on earth—is something I’ll never be able to put into words. All I have is love, gratitude, and just more love.
Love you Dad.
