One of my favorite movie scenes is in Rudy, when the title character gets a letter from the admissions department of Notre Dame. After a couple of rejections letters this was his last chance for acceptance into the university. Sure, he had a handicap, being too small to be a scholarship player for the football team he worshiped all his life. Yet if only the Notre Dame Admissions Department knew how hard he worked, uncovering his dyslexic learning disability and getting tutored to remedy that.
Fortunately, the American Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) understood how hard Cindy has worked as a long distance hiker. Her own particular handicap prevented us from completing the entire PCT, the final leg of the Triple Crown for her. We hiked together on the other two legs, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, but I had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail before we met. Completing the Triple Crown had been Cindy’s dream for decades and the top item on her bucket list once we learned she had Alzheimer’s.
Despite our best efforts last year, with our daughter Charissa assisting as well, I know that Cindy will never complete the entire PCT. Now I often need to hold her hand to guide her up or down the stairs, or to make the early morning trip from the bed to the bathroom. I contacted ALDHA recently to see if they might be open to awarding Cindy an Honorary Triple Crown plaque instead, considering that Cindy completed the American Discovery Trail. The ADT is not a National Scenic Trail but is about twice as long as the PCT. They enthusiastically agreed.
Rudy takes his letter from the admissions department outside to a bench where he is by himself. He has no good reason to believe that this time will be different for finally realizing his lifelong dream. Yet when he opens the letter he discovers he finally has been admitted. He breaks down and sobs heavily to conclude the scene.
That is much like what happened around our kitchen table when I informed Cindy she was being awarded an Honorary Triple Crown, in essence for hiking even more miles than needed for the regular Triple Crown. ALDHA even would include a reference to her as an “Expedition Woman” on the plaque. Somewhat to my surprise Cindy’s lips started to quiver, even as a smile shown through them. Her whole body shuddered and the tears started to flow, exactly like Rudy.
I got to witness this heartwarming scene twice. When the plaque arrived in the mail she pulled yet another “Rudy.” Even I did not fully realize just how important this bucket list item was to her. Her reactions stirred my soul deeply; quite frankly I have not had enough. On Memorial Day weekend we are hosting a hiker’s reunion, perhaps Cindy’s last opportunity to really connect with her closest friends over the years. Why not make an official presentation of the plaque during the weekend? The third time may indeed be the real charm.
Kirk, that’s awesome! So well deserved for all the miles she and you have travelled together. Looking forward to Memorial weekend. All the best
Thanks Kevin!
OH, Congratulations to Cindy and to you for even thinking of broaching the idea with the organization awarding it. I remember the Rudy scene very well from repeated times of watching that movie and it WAS, indeed, very moving. You ability to transfer characters to associate that same emotional reaction to Cindy is unique and such a gift to yourself. Hope your reunion goes as you plan and I think a third presentation would be terrific for the others, too.
Thanks Christy!
I think the presentation is a wonderful idea and I will be honored to be a part of it. I have also been grateful that when I arrived in Yellowstone to meet up with the group that Cindy took the time to go over how to pack my backpack correctly and told me that everyone was betting how long I would last. The going bet was two weeks, but she told me not to pay attention to any of that because I would be just fine. She laughed about it and told me wouldn’t it fun to prove them wrong. I know Leon told you to watch over me, but Cindy took on that role wonderfully. She nursed my cut thumb and attended to my ankle that was swollen for about three months. She guided me through our “solo” while you and John were doing a solo. She selflessly gave me a place to sleep on the floor of her hotel room in New Mexico when I was sick even though she needed some alone time with her sister that came out to see her. Thank you so very much, Cindy.
Thanks Tammy. I read that to Cindy and she was very moved.
Cindy,
Congratulations expedition girl!!! We are so glad you could stop by on your way to begin the Pacific Crest Trail this past year! And you should also wear your circumnavigation around Mount Rainier volcano on the Wonderland Trail a few years ago as a crown! That’s about as symbolic of the Pacific Crest as anything we can think of.
Hugs, Pat and Leslie Pringle, Olympia WA
Thanks folks! We had a nice time with you last June. Hopefully we can see you sometime this summer.
Hi, the both of you have been on my mind lately…..wondering how you are. We just got back from a short vacation visiting friends in Washington D.C. Looked on my Computer and there was your story. Congratulations Cindy! That is wonderful. I still brag about the wonderful couple we met hiking across the U.S.
Thank you Marcia and Bill. I don’t know if you feel you are close enough, but we have folks over to watch slides on a regular basis these days.
Congratulations to you and Cindy on Cindy’s award and the joy of both of you!! Your award, Cindy, is deeply deserved! Nancy Eckel
Thanks Nancy!
Wow, that is just awesome, Kirk. I am so glad she got the award. Blessings to you both, and much love.
Thanks Iris!