Day 1221: The nature of pain

Through the last leg of our trip on Saturday, my hike group sang show tunes and trail songs, told stories.   I just listened and enjoyed their company.  As we entered the park, I lined them up and slapped their hands as they moved past me.  Parents were waiting to take them home and many kids jumped in the cars and took off.

A few stopped me with questions and comments.  One boy complained about his pack and the pain in his shoulders.  I told the mom to just add a bit of foam around the straps with duct tape and he'd feel better.  Then he said, "Mrs. Cobb, I suffered more than anyone out there today."  Really?  He kept up with me the whole trip and sang his heart out with the other kids.

It turns out it was one of our student leaders who was really suffering,  We ran into her mom today who told us the whole story.  Apparently, she had been enduring great pain in her feet and ankles for some time, probably from playing soccer and running track.  Doctors had prescribed a series of exercises to help her deal, but the pain continued.  Finally, she had an MRI last week and the results came in yesterday.  She has multiple fractures and fissures in both feet and ankles.   Incredible.  Her poor mother was horrified.  I feel terrible for both of them.

Lots of tasks remain for the four day hike.  The roster needs revision.  It may be we will reduce to twenty cook groups.  All the backpacker photos are ready for printing tomorrow and then we'll tuck them into frames and create sets for each hike group.  We have to pick up the gifts for the seniors, get the remaining perishables, repack the cook kits, pack the trucks, check the cameras, find video tapes, make equipment return slips, print directions, conduct the last two classes, pack our packs.  I'm sure there's more.

Meanwhile, my gardens and my book are calling to me.