The Rockies at Dusk: A Mother and Son’s Journey, RMNP, CO

There are many reasons why I like the state of Colorado. One of them is being close to at least one of my sons.

For the last three years, Ron has lived in Boulder — just a bit over an hour away from me. Since I arrived in Estes Park, we’ve been able to meet and spend time together.

Part of the benefits of working at the Y is that for every month I work, I get a room in a lodge for $25 a night. That’s not bad at all. And this Friday, Ron is coming to spend the weekend with his mom!

Our plan for the weekend is for Ron to enjoy creating in the glass fusion studio while I work half a day. Later, I will join him in the creation.

I strongly believe in the importance of art in our lives. When I sit at the glass fusion table arranging pieces of color, I feel alive and full of joy. For my friends who have known me most of my life, it might be a surprise to hear that only in the last few years I have started to take pride in my art.

I can’t tell you how many times Eva Marie kept telling me, “Gila, you are so talented.” Yet the way my childhood distorted my sense of pride made it hard for me to believe her. For years, her words slid past me as if they belonged to someone else. Only now, as I see and appreciate my own creations, can I finally whisper to myself, yes, I am an artist.

That is why it feels so important for me to encourage my boys to create and be creative, whatever that looks like for them. To me, art is not just paint or glass. It is a reflection of the heart, coming from a place deep inside of us — a place that deserves to be seen.

After my hike on the Ute Trail, I knew I wanted to return and share this beauty with Ron.

By now, I feel like I know every curve of Trail Ridge Road. Since my minivan can only take one passenger — me — I hop into Ron’s car. It feels like coming home. My old Mazda, my first home, now belongs to Ron. I can’t believe that I traveled for a year in that tiny space. It was a year to be proud of.

By 7:40 in the evening, we start our hike. The trail is easy to walk on, and the silence of the evening fills the cool air, broken only by the crunch of our boots. We bundle up, knowing it will be cold at such a high elevation at night.

Our conversation is deep and vulnerable. I take pride in knowing that both of my boys feel comfortable sharing their feelings with me.

As we reach the pond, the sun makes her last descent behind the mountains. We open the camping chairs we brought and sit in pure silence, absorbing the incredible landscape.

We are both in awe of the magic of Mother Nature.The last sunrays beam on the mountains, giving them a golden glow while reflection on the pond adds an extra dimension of incredible beauty.

I sat by the pond and thought about all of the miles I’ve traveled and how rare and precious it feels to share this moment with my son.

As we walk back in the dark, the gentle silhouette of the Rockies frames our way.

“Mom, Mom,” Ron whispers.

“Look.” But all I see is the dark space in front of me. 

“Wait, he will lift his head.” 

“Who will lift his head?” I ask. “The elk.”

Holy moly — now that is a majestic moment!

My breath caught in awe as the elk lifted his head, his antlers glowing faintly in the dusk. I felt as though we had stumbled into a sacred moment; a memory I will always cherish with Ron.

It’s another beautiful Sunday here in the Rockies, and another group hike to enjoy.

I love the opportunity to share my life with Ron, to introduce him to my friends, and to show him my experience of living a life outside the box.

This morning, Diane, Brenda, Tammy, Cheryl, Ron, and I are driving an hour away to hike to Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

I know we will be too slow for Ron, and since Isabelle Glacier is about 1.5 miles farther beyond the lake, Ron heads ahead of us to hike there. We, on the other hand, take our time climbing the mountain. The elevation gain is only about 500 feet, but part of the trail is quite rocky.

I am still amazed to find that at the end of July, there is so much snow on top of the mountains. I appreciate the extra contrast it adds.

No wonder it is Diane’s favorite hike!

By the time we are all back in the parking lot, we are hungry and ready to relax with a meal in Nederland, a small town not far away.

It’s a perfect day to cheer for!