PCT Parenting: A Letter Home

On My Start Day… Soon

Today, I start walking the Pacific Crest Trail. It is the day I’ve been talking about since September 2019. I know this is a huge change, and if I am successful in completing this thru-hike, I won’t be home until after the next school year has begun. So, I wanted to write you a letter to tell you all of the things you need to know in my absence. This will be my last blog before trail and it is my most important.

A Letter to My Daughters

Dear Girls,

You are funny, strong, clever, and smart. You are powerful and loving. You have a way of looking at me and seeing right into my heart. You are my reflection. You are so many things to so many people, but most importantly, you are everything to you.

Remember These Things

Whether I’m on the PCT or not, you have the power to make a change at any point in your life. Love hard and bounce back harder. Hug your dad often because, as big as he is, he is still a teddy bear. 


Support Each Other

Sophie, let Maddie play Legos with you and have sleepovers together in your bed. She’s only seven and you are everything to her. Maddie, let Abbie in your room, make a mess with your makeup, and teach her how to do a cartwheel. She’s only three and, as wild as she is, you are her best friend. Abbie, I’m going to love and miss my wild girl, but keep giving Daddy those Abbie hugs and hold his face in your hands and tell him to “never let go.”

You Are My World

You three are my world and not a day will go by without me thinking of you. When you are upset, take Daddy’s hand and go outside.  Look up. Look up at the stars and the sun and the moon. Those are the same beautiful things I will look at when I think of you. At the end of each day, remember that our family is getting closer and closer one step at a time. 

Go Outside

Go outside, get dirty and sweaty, make a mess in the mud. Don’t forget to take up a ton of space in this world and never feel pressure to smile because someone says so. Be sure to clean up after yourself and each other. Your dad has a lot on his plate, so please remember to flush the toilet (you know who you are).  I love you and I like you and I’ll be home soon.

Love,

Momma

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Comments 6

  • Cheryl : Feb 27th

    Could I please follow you? Do you have an in-reach?
    I followed Over the Hills (Ridgeroute and Shortcut)2 years ago and Second Chance last year.
    I live at n San Diego and would like to hike with you sometime while you are in my county.

    Reply
    • Shannon : Mar 2nd

      Hi Cheryl! I sent you a private message via email.

      Reply
  • TBR : Mar 2nd

    That picture, though … kinda flamey!

    Hiking is an adventure.

    Reply
    • Shannon : Mar 2nd

      Haha! Definitely not one of my best PCT parenting moments ?

      Reply
  • Rachel Smith : Feb 21st

    I am plus sized and my best friend asked me to go thru hike with her this year. I’m considering it along with looking at acquiring the gear and training. But, I was hoping to find a plus-sized hiker who has thru-hiked the PCT to here her experience. Was just wondering if you could give any insight on gear. Like eat type of pants worked for you and stuff like that?

    Thanks, Rachel

    Reply
    • Shannon : Feb 22nd

      Hi Rachel! Hop on over to my Instagram @fireroamingwild and I’ll be happy to answer your questions! Or I can email you (takes me longer when I’m on trail). Let me know!

      Reply

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