Intimate Communications

For literature class, we were encouraged to write a love letter to a favourite place.  Although love letters are hardly ever privy to the public, here's your sneak peek. (:

To my Beloved Mountain-Top,                                                                                                              September 7^th, 2013

I dearly hope you are well.  How I long to see you again; to experience your grandeur.  When we first met I was fourteen, insecure, and seeking purpose in life.  You paternally looked down upon the summer camp at which I volunteered.  I came to know your presence as authoritative and compelling respect.  Many evenings did I hike the steep slopes that skirted your peak, in search of answers and an atmosphere conducive to meditation.  The circuitous journey to your apex resulted in a wooden cross, faithfully standing amidst sun and storm.  Although the path was lined with shale, intense elevation rises, and the occasional rattle snake, the reward was always worth the effort.  I very often arrived sweaty, with skin darkened from constant beaming sunlight, but you never disappointed. 

Undemanding as you were, you challenged me to dwell on larger aspects of life.  The stark wind that tousled my hair and clothing offered a sense of solidarity, and solitude.  You compelled me to reflect on trust, purpose, my faith, relationships, and God.  Though I was small, you inspired and encouraged in me greatness.  Separate and secluded from others, I had opportunity to interpret the scenery around me.  The looming mountain ranges were my challenges and obstacles in life, the winding Clarkfork River my path through them.  The birds that sounded their voice were in harmony with the peace you emanated, and the quiet whispering of pine needle clusters hinted at the importance of soft-spoken words. 

Though our bond was intimate, you were conducive to additional guests.  The craggy cliffs and shared feeling of exertion facilitated meaningful conversation, conflict resolution, and compassion for the company I occasionally brought.  I once led a group of young girls to your heights; I was their counselor for the week.  They marveled at my knowledge of your paths, and that through crossing rock slides and traversing valleys, we were presented with a glorious view, and sense of accomplishment.  Through these experiences, I had opportunity to draw the connection to life that nearly every struggle and hard experience will result in an unforeseen good, if one has the courage and drive to push through.  The analogy inspired the hearts of a group of nine year old girls, and is still inspiring mine to this day.

Thank you for the grace, the patience, and putting up with my external processing as I talked aloud, and sometimes even released angry shouts atop your summit.  You have been, and always will be a dear friend of mine.  Hopefully once I am finished with school, we can rejoin and celebrate change in life, as well as recall goodness of the past.

Always yours and yours always,

Anjeli Carol D.