The Trail

This story is about a hike I took with my family back in 2004. Before we get there however, I need to tell you about my life the months leading it to it.

When I was 14, my life was awful. I had at the time an undiagnosed seizure disorder and no one knew what was wrong with me. I could hardly attend school and had no friends. I was scheduled to repeat 8th grade the following year. I had a depression that was MUCH more severe then the typical teenage depression. I was on the edge of taking my own life and was so close many times to actually having what it took to pull it off. On March 9, 2004 when my Grandfather committed suicide I was driven even further to the edge.

2 weeks after he committed suicide it was Spring Break and my family and I went on vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. One day during the week we took a very long and strenuous hike. It was unbelievably hard on me. It was an incline all the way to the top of the mountain. The length of the hike made it that much harder. I was so tested- not only physically but emotionally as well. I wasn't sure if I could make it all the way and back. At one point I just sat down and started crying. I was so sore, so frustrated and so done. My parents gave me a little time to collect myself. I decided to keep going despite how sore I was and I made it all the way and back.

I was so proud of myself! I learned that if I just push myself a little then I can doing anything. I learned I can overcome anything that stands in my way of getting to where I want to me. I still went through hard times. to come and a long road to recovery but the lessons I learned on the trail that day I will never forget.

So, why I am telling this to you? No matter what you go through God will not leave your side. He will hold you in His hands and give you the strength to keep going. If you feel like giving up don't lose heart. God will keep you save in his arms and carry you further then you've ever been.