The sky was a bluebird color contrasted with the patchwork green/brown tundra. It was Monday morning during my bi-weekly volunteer shift as a Tundra Guardian. The tundra is the “land above the trees” that occupies over 1/3 of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is always beautiful but with sunshine, a light wind, and colorful flowers, it was especially lovely.
My tundra partner and I parked the car in the lot and strolled toward the 11,716-foot Forest Canyon Overlook where we often spent time chatting with visitors. Many days we saw marmots and pika on the rocks surrounding the designated overlook area. On this early July day, wildflowers were abundant including Old Man Mountain, Avens, and Sky Pilot, to mention only a few. The slight breeze was welcome as we made our way along the paved asphalt path to the end of the short trail.
When we pulled into the lot, I noticed a solo middle-aged woman getting out of a green Subaru with a Colorado license plate. I nodded to her as she stepped spritely ahead of us on the path.
We usually stand in the observation area and chat with visitors, point out any animals or flowers we see, and offer to take photos if desired. I said to the woman I had earlier acknowledged in the parking lot, “It’s an amazing day, isn’t it?” She smiled.
I chatted with several folks and then noticed that same woman holding back, apparently wanting to ask a question of us as many folks did. She walked up to me and said, “Yes, it is truly an amazing day. Let me tell you why. Six weeks ago, I was in the hospital with pneumonia and sepsis. I asked my doctor if I was going to be able to do my annual trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. He told me maybe, but only if my blood oxygen level was high enough. Today it was 92 and here I am at this elevation in this beautiful park. It is truly an amazing day.”
My eyes lit up and I was delighted to hear her story. I said “Wow, that’s great” as she turned and walked away.
I was humbled that she had shared her story with me. I looked around at the dozen other visitors at the overlook. Everyone has a story and I wish I knew more of them. Some narratives may be routine while others are profound. An amazing day includes many stories.