Don’t you love a good story about the beauty of nature? Well, don’t get your hopes up, because this isn’t it.

A few years ago, Mr. Farabee and I took a day trip to the mountains. Ahh…just the two of us. The good life.

Once we reached Grandfather Mountain, we enjoyed the Mile High Swinging Bridge, made a quick visit to the gift shop for the never-ending refrigerator magnet search, and were ready to head back down the mountain!

But wait! There was a trail – right in front of us calling out our names! Being total fitness buffs (joke), we decided to go a ‘little way’ up the trail. Up meant UP.

We went a little farther… and a little farther… and before we realized it, we had reached a point of no return. We must conquer the trail!

However, I soon began to gasp for breath, so I asked my beloved husband, who was carrying the backpack, to hand me my water bottle.

There was no water bottle.

I was thirsty. But…I was also not a quitter. So, on UP we went. I began to show signs of dehydration – fatigue, headache, grumpiness, mental and physical decline – with the emphasis on grumpiness.

Each step became labored. If only I could have a drop of water! Just one drop! Just as I realized that I couldn’t take another step, I saw an angel from heaven headed down the mountain toward us! A park ranger! Since a park ranger manages and protects his area, I knew he would help me – if I asked.

I felt – uh – not smart – because I knew I had attempted this trail of life without a resource I needed – water. As dry as my mouth was, I was still able to swallow my pride and ask for some H2O. When I did, it felt like we were in slow motion as he reached for a long tube on his backpack and shot a steady stream of cool, clear, refreshing water into my mouth. Relief was immediate. Best. Water. Ever.

There is nothing wrong with getting thirsty. There is nothing wrong with not having what we need to traverse our trails. If we find ourselves in a mountainous uphill battle – or even in a dry and thirsty desert – and choose to allow our pride to keep us from asking for needed help – that can be a problem.

What may have seemed to be small – and probably quite forgettable – to the park ranger – was huge to me. And became quite memorable.

I survived. I reached the top of the mountain …. and the view was so worth it!

*I got by with a little help from my friend – my park ranger friend, that is.

*The hardest thing is not that we need help. The hardest thing is to not be too proud to ask for it.

*Do not worry! The park ranger gave Mr. Farabee water, too.

*Happy trails to you!

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com