I thought this journey would be simple: me, my mother’s ashes, and the forest she never finished exploring. But as I walked deeper, I realized something awaited me that would change my life forever.

Mom had always planned to hike Crabtree Falls but never got the chance. After her death, I found her old diary and decided to complete her journey for her. My family tried to stop me, but I needed to do this.

The forest was harsh. I lost my backpack to a river, and exhaustion weighed me down. Memories of my mother surfaced as I pushed through the pain. When I reached the cabin where she had fallen ill, I collapsed, feeling defeated.

That night, I dreamed of her. She told me it was time to let her go. In the morning, I scattered her ashes and continued my hike.

Finally, I reached Crabtree Falls. The mist enveloped me as I stood in awe. I waded into the freezing water, letting it cleanse me of the pain I’d been carrying.

As I left, I knew my journey wasn’t over. Inspired, I decided to adopt a child, offering them the chance to shape their own path.

A new chapter had begun.