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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A blue ribbon day




For my birthday this year, I gifted myself with a trip to Montana to visit my nine-month-old grandson, Finn Nicholas, and my three daughters, Nicole, Lesa, and Aimee. Funny how this little guy with infectious smiles, baby chatter, and his Big Sky blue Montana eyes has become such a force in all our lives.

While departing from the New York Tri-State metropolitan area for the wild frontier where the footprints of Lewis and Clark are imprinted throughout, I was giddy with excitement. Getting my hands on that baby so that he could reacquaint himself with his Grandma was all I could think about on the five-hour flight across the continent.

Sure enough, once we landed and I got to see Finn again, my heart was jumping with joy. Now, I fully understand why grandparents become animated and their eyes light up when talking about grandchildren. These wee ones truly are a source of love, pride, and appreciation all wrapped up with magic and awe. They fill us with a range of emotions in a league all of their own.

With Nicole living in Bozeman, Aimee in Helena, the Capital, and Lesa in Livingston, I try to divide my time. Truth be told, however, most of my time my suitcase ends up in Livingston with this granny happily sharing quarters in Finn's room. I suspect his adoring aunts understand.

Livingston is a historic landmark town (Calamity Jane was one of Livingston's infamous early-day residents) and was shaped by the early settlers who had dreams of building a city. It was the original entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is where Capt. William Clark separated from Meriwether Lewis to explore the Yellowstone River valley in the early 1800's.

One of the many joys I relished while on my visit were my walks with Finn in his chariot that connects to Lesa's bicycle and can be removed to push as a stroller. I had wanted to get back over to the Yellowstone River where I spent several hours in January taking pictures. So, on one of our morning walks I found myself meandering over to Sacajawea Park where the Yellowstone River runs alongside to revisit this inspiring spot.

My only challenge was that in the process of getting out the door with a baby to push Finn in his stroller, I found I was a little rusty with the baby scene and neglected getting the all-important bottle of water for Livingston’s nearly 5,000 feet elevation. With a life-threatening heart muscle disease, I had to stay hydrated. No mind, I figured. Surely, there will be a fountain along the way. Besides, I'll just take it slow and breath deeply.

As we strolled along the river walkway with me pushing Finn, who had now fallen asleep, the rush of the swift waters swirling rapidly downstream and the cool river wind whipping around my face fostered a feeling of freedom. I was drinking in every moment to the max.

The river walk ended at a patch of private property that was fenced off and we headed down the worn path among the tall grass that curved around the ball fields and back to the road. Beyond that, it was only 6-7 more blocks and we’d be back home. Though I felt a need for a drink of water I was sure I would be okay till we got there.

Hum…what’s this? Ah ha. A water spigot ahead!

My pace quickened as I pushed Finn over by the rudimentary spigot for the ball players to quench their thirst that was attached to a wooden post. I turned the handle. Bone dry.

Ok, just deep breath, don't fret, I can make it home. It's mind over matter. Well, maybe not, but staying positive can’t hurt. Finn was still sleeping and oblivious to this old granny's water worries.

We continued and immediately came upon another ball field with the same rudimentary water spigot. Dare I try?

Gripping the handle and turning it brought forth bubbling crystal clear water. I'm saved!

Standing at the back of the ball field after rehydrating like a camel, I had to pause. With my grandchild at my side, the blessing of water and magnificent views of majestic mountains every which way I turned, there was no doubt in my mind that God had given me with a blue-ribbon day!