FOUR CORNERS LOOP TRAIL ASSOCIATION
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My Mother Margaret

5/17/2021

19 Comments

 
Picture
Monday, May 17
My Mother Margaret


May 15th I needed to hike 27.7 miles to reach the Grand Canyon. This was not because I needed to make a permit day, it was because my mother Margaret was admitted to the ICU in Colorado. I did reach the canyon edge right at sunset, causing happy memories of my mom to flourish in my mind.


Eric my sisters husband rushed up from Phoenix, and we arrived back in Phoenix at midnight ready for a flight the next morning to Denver. The flight brought me right over the Four Corners, and over the Sandre De Cristso Mountains. The sight of these locations from the plane conjured up memories of planing the Four Corners Loop.


Many tears have been shed by me, my sister Kelli, and my father David. As I write this and wait my mother is in a procedure to help reduce the buildup of blood and fluid in her lungs. Send your thoughts and prayers.


During my hike I was and still am full of grateful thoughts that exude the love deep within me for my mom. She created two amazing people Kelli and me. I smile when I realize she gave me free will to do as I choose, while also guiding me down the bowling lane so I could get a strike in life. I have bowled a perfect 300 in life, and the guidance from mom and the freedom she provided me has allowed me to say thank you mom, I am thankful, when I smile it is my experiences you gave me the freedom to have that generates my glow for life. I love you.


Right now my experience I am cherishing while also very sad, is being here for my mom’s comfort. I cried today when the priest came in as I held my mom’s hand along with Kelli’s for a blessing. It was nice to hear that Gods hands will be guiding the doctors hands today. My mom is on a very fragile state and I am grateful I am here for her.


People have asked if the Four Corners Hike will continue. The answer is a definite yes. My hike gives so many joy. My dad flourishes on it and he needs this now. If my mother’s condition worsens and she passes she will flourish on it in heaven. I also know you reading this need me to continue hiking. Where I get back on trail will need to restart north of the Grand Canyon for my heat management and my safety. Yes I gave up a hard to get permit, but the Grand Canyon is not going anywhere soon, and it is my mother’s life that is fragile.


The hike from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon was spectacular. I spend the first day hiking 19 miles climbing all day, reaching the top of Humphries Peak 12,634 ft. It was a long day with 6,000 feet of elevation gain, so sleeping right on top was a must. The sunset and sunrise with the characteristic atmospheric mountain triangular shadow cast as the sun set, and as the sun rose was a phenomenon of nature one must see.


The second day was downhill all day. The third day from Flagstaff was the hottest day of the trip. I met a AZT hiker named “Bobby O”. I was so happy to have someone to talk with because hiking and crying at the same time is a challenge. It was comforting to have a caring person with me.


The fourth day from Flagstaff was when the doctor said to my sister that mom’s condition was not good and if this was his mom he would be at her side. I was in an area with good cell service and was in communication with my family. Kelli was flying out the next morning and Eric was more than willing to retrieve his bearded brother in law from the outdoors. At this time I had already hiked 19 miles for the day. Adrenaline gave me the energy I needed to hike 8.7 more for the 27.7 mile day. I am thankful I am The Animal and my body is capable of such a distance.


My mom is wakings up from a procedure where they removed air passage clotting and flushed in a solution that is used in trauma operation rooms that to stop bleeding. I am thankful the doctor spent his time after work doing research on this procedure.


To my mother Margaret - I love you, your grateful son Kevin
19 Comments
Kathy B.
5/17/2021 02:15:06 pm

You and your whole family are in my prayers my friend.❤️
Kathy B.

Reply
Cathy P.
5/17/2021 02:21:12 pm

Hugs and many, many prayers and good wishes for you and your family and especially for Margaret!

Reply
Wendie Pond
5/17/2021 03:06:35 pm

Oh Kevin, my heart and thoughts are with you. I am so glad you are there and able to.hold your moms hand and talk to her. This is good for her AND you. Love you friend and loom forward to following the rest of your journey. Let me know what you and Maria might need. XOXO

Reply
Deborah McDaniel
5/17/2021 03:50:54 pm

Kevin my heart goes out to you, and I wish the best possible outcome. It is a blessing for your mother to have her children there at this time. Take care of yourself and your family. Much love to you and yours - Deborah

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Mike Kretzler
5/17/2021 04:26:16 pm

❤

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Nancy and Steve
5/17/2021 07:44:01 pm

Our thoughts are with you and your family, Kevin. Love to you.

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Glenn & Elissa Torgeson
5/17/2021 09:19:26 pm

Kevin, we are praying for your mom and your family. Her impact and influence on your life is very tangible and your words such a fitting tribute to your relationship. May God be with you all. ❤️❤️❤️

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Priscilla Schmidt
5/17/2021 10:51:11 pm

Just letting you know I'm sending heartfelt prayers and positive thoughts for your mother and your family. Peace be with all of you.

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Tara Small
5/17/2021 11:37:26 pm

My thoughts are with you and your family, Kevin. I'll pray for your mom, and healing.
Glad to hear the hike will continue and glad to know you were able to support your mom during this time as well.

Reply
Robin Carson
5/18/2021 05:43:24 am

My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am sending out Lots of Healing Light and Love 💜

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Preacher
5/19/2021 06:37:25 am

Prayers for your mom. and, of course you and your journey.

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Beth Blattenberger
5/20/2021 07:39:35 pm

Sending love to everyone in your family. I am glad you were able to join them. May your journey be healing.

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Leslee Kiyokawa
5/20/2021 09:15:10 pm

So sorry to hear about your mom but am glad you got to be with her at this critical time.

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Kevin Koski
5/21/2021 09:32:22 pm

Leslee, Thanks for the nice words about my mom. It is awesome to see that you have found my website. I am at home in Denver wishing my mom a good recovery. When I get back on trail I will continue to write good blogs about my hiking experiences. Continue to enjoy retirement.

Reply
Alecia
5/21/2021 06:27:14 am

So glad I met you and got to hear and learn of your journeys! I have been thinking of you and your family since I met you on the plane and wondering how you all are doing and was so happy to see an update on your page!
You all are continually in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care!
-Alecia

Reply
Kevin Koski
5/21/2021 09:30:02 pm

Thank you for the awesome comment. It was a pleasure running next to you in the plane and I hope you had a safe ride to Oklahoma. Thank you for thinking about my mom.

Reply
Kevin Koski
5/27/2021 08:44:41 am

Alecia,
Thank you for the nice message. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers for my family. Today I am going back to the trail and have some lovely words with my mom, who is passing away today. I really appreciated our conversation we had on a plane from Colorado Springs to Denver.

Reply
Brian DeRango
5/22/2021 09:49:55 am

Kevin
I am thankful that you are "The Animal" Tabitha and I send our love ,thinking of you and family especially your Mom. I love reading the words that come right from your heart, our thought and prayers are with you all. Take care from your other brother Brian

Reply
Andrew Higgins
5/27/2021 08:59:44 am

We are continuing pray for your mom and family that you are each blessed with healing, comfort, clarity, and peace. Please reach out if you need a hand, ear, or just company.

Reply



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