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August 14-15, 2025. Finding Joy on the Trails, in the Shadows, and in Christ

What if I told you that a diagnosis, even one as sobering as metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer, doesn’t have to mean the end of adventure? That it might, in fact, be the beginning of a new kind of abundant living? Different, yes, but abundant. I want to share one story of joy, love, and a little mystery from a recent trip with my husband to Cuyahoga Valley National Park—a place where wild nature and the whisper of hope wind along every trail.

The Ledges Trail: Where Wonder Meets Stone and Sky

We started our day with the Ledges Trail, a 2-mile loop famed for its dramatic rock formations, sun-dappled moss, and secret caves. My husband and I laced up our tennis shoes and set off with hearts full of anticipation.

Tip: Come prepared! I would have pulled out my hiking poles and worn my hiking boots if I had realized how many rocks we would scramble over. It’s not a difficult trail, but can be a little tricky for someone with balance and joint issues.

Nevertheless, while I didn’t expect the rocky terrain on the trail, it became a chance to adapt and push my limits. Instead of being discouraged, I embraced the challenge, and we managed to boost our daily steps while discovering new strength in ourselves.

Stepping into the quiet cathedral of pines, it struck me: this is what it means to live—really live—even with cancer as a quiet companion. More importantly, I get to live this life with the best caregiver as my hiking buddy, who stretches out his hand to catch me if I stumble.

The trail meandered through forests that felt ancient and wise, the scent of earth and leaves mingling with laughter and the promise of adventure. We ducked under boughs, hopped across roots, and marveled at the towering cliffs, their sandstone faces streaked with green and gold.

At the overlook, we caught our breath, gazing out over a patchwork of treetops. The world felt big and beautiful, and at that moment, thoughts of cancer or medical appointments slipped away.

Holding hands with the one I love, I was reminded: abundant life isn’t found in the absence of trials, but in the presence of Jesus Christ, guiding and sustaining each day. In every moment, we have the power to create memories, to savor the light filtering through the trees, and to claim joy on this side of life. Let us walk on, hearts open, knowing that each step is a testament to courage, faith, and the unwavering will to live abundantly.

Every step forward is an act of hope, no matter where you are in your cancer journey. With each breath of fresh air and every stride—even when challenged by neuropathy and fatigue—the Holy Spirit prompts, the heart grows stronger, and the soul more resilient. Life is still full of wonder worth fighting for.

Here’s a little compilation of our hike on the Ledges Trail. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Down the Eerie Canal Towpath

Of course, we couldn’t resist the allure of the Erie Canal Towpath. Echoes of history lace this path, where mules once pulled canal boats, the Underground Railroad was actively present, and the shadows seem to hold a thousand secrets. It was the perfect atmosphere for a little playtime.

Eerie Canal, rushing water in front of the Canal Exploration Center.

Canal Stop and Tavern (Currently the Canal Exploration Center)

Hi, I’m Blossom. During the canal days, mules like me walked the towpath, pulling heavy boats behind us. We were strong engines, able to haul 60 tons or more of freight. Mules worked in teams of two or three. Cargo boats had a middle cabin to stable a second team The two teams switched every six hours.

Some people say mules are stubborn, but I think we’re just smart. Horses can work themselves to an early grave. Mules have sense enough to stop when we’re tired. And we refuse to do anything dangerous. Over time, horses will get mouth and harness sores. Not mules. We are also cheaper to feed. Now I’m not saying horses are all bad. They are faster than mules. Early passenger boats used teams of horses when speed was more important than endurance. After the Civil War, canal boats became family businesses. One of the captain’s children was often the muleskinner, leading the team along the towpath.

I got my intelligence from my father. He’s a donkey. I got my athletic ability from my mother. She’s a horse. What is the best trait that you inherited from each parent?
Mule Power: Towing Canal Boats, from the placard at Cuyahoga Valley N.P.

Tim whispered in my ear as the towpath curved between thick stands of trees, their branches creaking in the gentle breeze. The path met the boardwalk into Beaver’s Marsh where wood ducks greeted us. He grinned while squeezing my hand. Even if you don’t get to see what you had hoped for (in this case, beavers), there’s something thrilling about embracing the unknown.

Cancer brings its own shadows—uncertainty, fear, the uninvited “what ifs.” Yet I’ve learned that through faith, even the darkest paths can glow with hope. Jesus walks with us, turning every challenge into an opportunity for courage, laughter, and connection.

Abundance in Every Step

The most beautiful part of our day wasn’t just the scenery, but the sense of freedom and joy. We climbed stairs, walked through a covered bridge, witnessed butterflies and colorful flowers, ate farm fresh corn while swinging on the double swings, swapped silly jokes, and learned that adventure is less about where you go and more about who walks beside you. Whether you have a caring partner on earth or not, Jesus is there each step of the way.

I want to say this, to anyone facing a difficult diagnosis or season: abundant life is possible—yes, even now. Through my journey with metastatic breast cancer, I’ve discovered that life with Jesus is not about scarcity, but overflow. He gives peace that surpasses understanding, and joy that bubbles up in the least-expected places—like a trail at sunset, a beautiful waterfall, or a quiet moment on the towpath with someone you love.

Come, Take the Next Step

If you’re ever near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I encourage you to lace up your boots, grab a loved one, and walk the Ledges Trail. Let the stones steady you, the trees shelter you, and the adventure—yes, even the eerie ones—remind you that life is still here for the living.

Because abundance isn’t measured by days, but by the love, faith, and wonder we choose. Through Jesus Christ, I am learning to live—truly, joyfully, abundantly—one trail at a time.

We added another stamp to our Passport on this trip, and checked off our 18th National Park.

Pro tip: The America the Beautiful Access Pass is free for anyone who has a disability (terminal cancer is a disability, even if you don’t “feel” disabled). It provides free entry to all National Parks and Historic Sites for the pass holder and family who travel with them. It’s a great way to live life without the added pressure of the financial burden of entrance fees. Check it out!

Just One More Thing

Having terminal cancer is a different experience for everyone, and I do hope this blog is accepted as it is intended. Not everyone can do the things we can do. I get that. Depending on where you are with your diagnosis and whether you are the patient or the caregiver, you will make those determinations. Given the thousands of types and subtypes, cancer treatment is challenging. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. I am fortunate to have cancer treatment that works!

I don’t say this lightly, as not everyone is as fortunate to add years to their life. My mother was in a Hospice House for two weeks at the end of her life. This disease does take people’s lives. Yet even there, in her setting, we enjoyed the beautiful gardens outside her window together. She also enjoyed life with what energy she had as they brought in therapy dogs, listened to people read Scripture, held hands and even encouraged people who came to visit. She taught me how to live life abundantly now as well as when we transition to our eternal Home. That is why I say, as long as I have breath, I intend to live!

Ask God to give you energy. He will provide strength to walk, even if it is just a few steps to your backyard.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

July 31, 2025. Lansing Michigan.

This is not your typical capitol tour. We were unable to connect with a guided tour (timing was off and we were pulling the Airstream), so Tim served as our tour guide. Again. 😂

This building does have some interesting history, as well as beauty. Listen to the videos as Tim shares some of the highlights from the Full Color Michigan State Capitol Tour Guide.

Driving by, looking for a place to park.

On our way from Grand Rapids to Detroit.

For the History Buffs

The Michigan State Capitol recently opened its new welcome center, Heritage Hall. The facility serves as a multi-purpose space featuring an Atrium for luncheons and ceremonies, a Stateroom for meetings and events, and an Exhibit Ramp with museum displays for visitors and tour groups. Included in the exhibit cases are over 200 artifacts, documents, and photographs that show the chronological history of Michigan’s Capitol.

This is the third capitol building since Michigan declared herself a state in 1835 and was subsequently admitted to the Union as the 26th state in 1837. The first two Capitol buildings were destroyed by fire, but they are still displayed on souvenir plates and ornaments.

The current Capitol was designed in Beaux Arts/American Renaissance style by Eljah E. Myers, Illinois Architect, constructed 1872-78. He was relatively unknown at the time, but won the bid with his plan titled “Tuebor,” meaning “I will defend.” This would be his first capitol, but certainly not his last. The successful construction of Michigan’s Capitol vaulted Myers to nationwide fame. During his long and prolific career, he designed five capitols – more than any other architect in American history. He modeled this structure on the recently enlarged U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The final cost of the Capitol totaled $1,427,738.78, which was about $200,000 over budget but a modest cost for capitols of that day. (According to one inflation calculator, $1,427,739 of 1878 dollars would be worth: $57,109,551.20 in 2025.)

Although the millions of bricks that make up its walls and ceilings were locally made in Lansing, the stone facade came from Ohio, the cast iron for the dome and floor beams from Pennsylvania, and the marble and limestone floors from Vermont.

Tim tells us about the walls.

And he shares some interesting facts about the chandeliers.

How the Government Works

Michigan has an entire room set up to educate its citizens on civics, including the Levels of Government, Branches of State Government, and Legislative process. (I should have paid better attention in high school.) This is probably the best visual I have seen describing our governmental functions. Not all states do it exactly the same way (e.g. some have fewer Senators or more Representatives; Nebraska is unicameral), but this is an excellent visual to best understand the overall process. So often people get confused about why our states do not intervene in some matters, or why the federal government doesn’t touch others, etc. Maybe this visual can help someone who reads this blog.

Preserving the Colors

The following information was found on the plaque in front of a worker who was preserving a flag behind a glass enclosure. It’s a tedious process!

“Battle flags played an important role in Civil War combat, serving as a rallying point amid the confusion of battle. Soldiers performed incredible acts of bravery to protect their tattered, bullet-ridden flags.

“During the Civil War Centennial (1961-1965), the State of Michigan had the flags stabilized by stitching them between layers of polyester netting on a sewing machine. While state of the art at the time, this method put thousands of tiny holes in the flags and the abrasive net is beginning to damage the original fibers.

“To preserve the flags for future generations, this netting must be removed by cutting each individual zig-zag stitch. Next, the flag can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and other loose particles. Finally, the flag can be conserved with more modern techniques.”

On to the Tour

The tour starts here (after Heritage Hall).

NOT the Rotunda. It’s actually the floor below the Rotunda. You can see people walking on the glass floor above. In the next video Tim describes the Block Glass and Dome.

THIS is the Rotunda. Also notice the Hall of Flags that surround the Rotunda.

THE CHAMBERS

Now that you know how the legislative process works, no tour would be complete without a peak inside the chambers. Legislatures were in the rooms when we went through Lansing, so we were not permitted to go inside the House on the main floor. However, if you go up one floor and step into the Gallery, you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire room.

The Michigan State Capitol has a foyer leading to each Chamber, designed to compliment one another. We haven’t seen this type of entry in other State Houses thus far.

Senate Chamber ceiling contains ninety pieces of glass to make up the skylights overhead. The skylights were originally installed to bring more natural light into the room. The original tiles started creating safety concerns and the mid-20th century era had also come to an end. Builders took out the hand-etched glass tiles and (unfortunately) threw them in a dumpster. During restoration (years later) they were able to bring the ceilings back to its original design, but instead of including 38 states as were present when Michigan entered the Union, all 50 states seals were included.

Old Supreme Court Chamber, currently serving as the Senate Appropriations Committee Room.

A FEW FUN FACTS

Although it has been Michigan’s capital since 1847 (it was in Detroit before that), Lansing was not actually incorporated as a city until 1859.
Some of the best surviving displays of Victorian painted decorative arts in the U.S. are found here.
The Capitol has led the state in technological advancement, from the lighting of the dome in 1905 to show off the power of the new electric light bulb, to installation of the nation’s largest state capitol geothermal system in 2019.
The glass and crystal chandeliers in the Senate Chambers are the original ones installed in 1878. They were converted from gas to electric, and now have 42 lightbulbs each, which have to be changed by dropping the chandeliers 40 feet to the floor and disassembling the unites.

SO-LONG LANSING

Hopefully you enjoyed this tour of Michigan State Capitol and learned a few things about our government as well. On the way out of town, I asked Tim to tell his what he thought of this Capitol, and here was his reply. He later said he liked the walls, and the design of the building as part of his reasoning for ranking it so high. What did you think?