LAST in the series.

Better than the Bees Knees…

Our work schedule initially consisted of half shifts each. Normally, this would give each of us time to explore or chill. But I knew this wasn’t going to happen. Patricia was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs in the beginning. My shift became her shift and her’s mine. And that’s totally cool. It’s certainly not her comfort zone. But I also know that she spent twenty years supporting a dozen crotchety engineers. So, in a way, I was curious to see what she would do. We both wanted to “do more” and so this “giving back” is a learning process.

There was some “vibe” from Kirsten that just gave me peace in our first correspondence. I knew we would both do well.

And it came to pass. Blessed once again by truly amazing people. Kirsten, Carolyn, Sarah, Samira, and even Gabby and Charles at the restaurant. And so many passers-by. Just accepted and absorbed and mellowed in to something different, something unexpected, something very special.

I saw Patricia standing behind the counter having an engagingly good time with the visitors. Her heart was in it. My soul mate has come to love seeking. She didn’t start there. In fact, when we first met, she hadn’t done anything more than some weekend camping. But there must have been something deeper I think. She’s stuck with me through some incredibly uncomfortable, and sometimes scary journeys. But she just tucks in and trusts me.

I’ve had a couple of people ask me why we are doing this. I have tried and tried, but I haven’t been able to pin it down in a way that I can share in words.

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Maybe my better half can shed a little light on it.

“A last word from P, the silent partner in this life long journey with Jeff. I cook,  I clean, I encourage, I collaborate, I participate, and I love it. Jeff has taken me to great heights, on some awesome experiences, and to deep and meaningful places. Some quite out of my comfort zone but all with the assurance that he is there with me and for me.

“There is no way to capture this ‘Bears Ears’  experience in pictures although Jeff does an excellent job. The majesty, uniqueness, ever changing, spiritual depth, and historical significance cannot be portrayed in a photograph.

“It must be experienced, first hand, morning, noon and night; with a mind set of reverence and appreciation and understanding of the importance of viewing someone’s life, life style, and their generations of family.

“Oh, if we could only understand the meaning of the art they painted and etched on the rocks! Did they know that thousands of years later we would be studying those sketches and tappings? What about those carved stars? The snake? All the hand prints? The calendar? The list could go on and on.

“We are nearing the end of our ‘giving back’ journey here but, not surprisingly, we have gained much more than we have ‘given back’. We have learned so much, experienced so much, and shared so much.

“We have found a community of like minded people who love nature, love the story of the people who came before us, love the landscape, and love the whole idea of Visit With Respect. We are so thankful to those that have worked to preserve and honor the ancestors and establish the Bears Ears Partnership. Working diligently to teach these principles is necessary for future generations to continue honoring and respecting this land!

“We have fallen in love with Bears Ears. We will be back!💗