| As a native of San Diego, I've always loved the outdoors. As a young adult I took every opportunity to camp and hike with friends. As a San Diego Firefighter I enjoyed several opportunities to backpack the Sierras, Yosemite and River Raft parts of the Toulome River. I have also explored many backpacking trails with my husband of 24 years in the Green River Lakes area in Wyoming. During the early years of our marriage we would spend up to 10 days out backpacking, getting snowed in and just being on top of the world together; with nature. I remember one trip as we were packing out we met an older couple who were backpacking in. They were so happy and in awe of the view. We were on task heading out (a hot bath and beer was our main mission at that point in our adventure) and forgot to stop and look back. Wow, what we would have missed--a spectacular view at the Elkhart Summit looking endlessly out on the Continental Divide! We said our hellos and we all just stood there together appreciating the wonder of the scene. I remember thinking that I hope I will be healthy enough to do this hike when I'm their age.
A lot has happened since I met that couple at the Elkhart Summit. I have had two daughters since then and have had to re-qualify to remain a firefighter for the City of San Diego. I love being a firefighter and wanted to remain in the operations part of the department (no office work for me). Being a full time firefighter and mom for these 17 years has been exhausting. Although rewarding, balancing this super women act has proven to be not so good for my health. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in May of 2004. I was suddenly off the Fire Line and in the Operating Room. I didn't feel like fighting I just wanted it to go away..... but this disease doesn't go away. After 3 surgeries in 6 weeks, 4 and a half months of Chemotherapy and 6 weeks of Radiation, I was done--weak and achy, but felt pretty good. I was awfully glad to be finished with treatment.
During my recovery I've had lots of time to reflect and ask myself; I asked, What do I want to do if I make it though this? I had a strong urge to get back to my old life. I really wanted to get back to being a Firefighter--even at 50. So I worked out and passed the physical one more time. I had to re-certify due to changes that had taken place in the year that I was gone. It was difficult mentally and physically. Three years after my return I decided to retire and start to do those "other things" that I thought about during my recovery. One of my dreams is to hike the Grand Canyon. My brother had hiked the Canyon and talked about how awesome it is. I knew I have to go and see for myself. We have traveled so close to the Canyon for 20 years, and I thought to myself, why haven’t I been? I want to hike. I really want to "work-out" in nature and see its wonders. So now when I'm inside, I look out my window with a renewed eagerness and plan to escape...to the Grand Canyon. |
