Leaving an 'Indelible Mark' ...

“Nearly every day of her life ... she would go for a walk either in the canyon on their  ranch, or at Silver Falls, keeping her very healthy in body and spirit. On her 80th birthday she accomplished her goal of hiking the entire five-mile trail around Silver Falls. She was so healthy and strong in fact, that she traveled to Mexico on a church mission trip building houses while in her 80s.”

The above is from the obituary of my dear friend, Jennie Hickman. Last year I added the following to a website dedicated to her memory. It is in regards to that infamous 'Mexico' mission trip.

“On our return from Mexico and our March mission trip, we stopped for the day at Paramount's 'Great Adventure'. Eric and I had said that we would be Jennie's chaperon's for this day.

Even before entering the park ~~ this young eighty something grandma, with grin ear to ear, looks up and points high and to our left, exclaiming, "That's the first ride". Oh my, she was pointing at 'Batman the Ride'. Before stepping onto the ride, in which your legs dangle down, I set the hat that I just purchased in Mexico off to the side. The three of us are now on the ride with Jennie in the seat between us. Fast and twirls and grins were had by all three of us. As the ride comes to a stop, and without thinking, I walked over to pick up my hat. While bending doing down, and about to pick it up, I hear from behind me, "Rick"! As Jennie stepped off the ride, she swerved a bit, being a tad dizzy, thinking she might fall. Though at the same time with that ear to ear grin.

Nearly as fun as the ride itself were the accolades she received throughout the remainder of the day from several who had been witness to this amazing feat from little old lady Jennie.

Though a memory from more than twenty years, it is as clear as the day itself. Thank you Jennie ~~ your youthfulness in your twilight years remains an inspiration.”

Her obituary continues, "Jennie has left an indelible mark on the lives of all her family and friends, and all who have known her are richer for her influence."

Now, eleven years from her death, the memory of our friendship and that “indelible mark” continues to bring appreciation and a smile.

 

I'll let you see if you could stomach this ride.

 Today at nearly 64 ~~ I'd still ride. But at 80 ~ baby, I'm not sure. Ha!