America's Best Idea

Zion National Park

Just before our spring break drew to a close, my mom flew in to meet us in Las Vegas, ready to take a break from her caregiving responsibilities. It was the perfect moment for us to hop into our convertible and venture towards Zion National Park. The drive along 15 North gifted us another chance to savor the freedom and expansiveness of the open road before we bid adieu to our adventures.

As we approached the park, a peculiar sight grabbed our attention: a tree decorated with dangling sneakers, a tribute to Zion's challenging Angels Landing hike. Fortunately, we witnessed it before it met its fiery fate later that year and burnt down. Next we arrived in Springdale, Utah. This town, is a real adventure hub! It's got a Main Street with cool places to eat, and everyone there is so friendly. Plus, you've got outfitters all around, making it super easy to gear up for your adventures. It's the perfect stop for tourists 'cause it's right by the park entrance. And the best part? You can see these mind-blowing rock formations on the horizon that are totally unlike anything you've ever laid eyes on!

We finally reached Zion National Park, my 12th park adventure. Zion, which means a peaceful place, truly lived up to its name. The tall cliffs painted the park with vibrant colors. To get around certain spots, you hop on the shuttle. Our first stop was Zion Lodge, the only place to stay inside the park. It was perfect for my mom—she could enjoy her coffee, read the paper, and people watch.

While she relaxed, Tim and I went hiking.  Right near the lodge was the entrance to the Emerald Pools trail. This trail had three parts—the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. It took us across the Virgin River, and we saw waterfalls cascading over impressive cliffs. Walking behind a waterfall was new to me, and it was so cool! Feeling the cold water spray on me was refreshing. We spotted some spring wildflowers along the trail too. There was the Lathyrus Brachycalyx, or bush pea, with vibrant purple petals in a cone shape, and the Erysimum capitatum, also called the Western wallflower, with bright yellow flowers on slender stems. I always love hiking in the spring to see everything come back to life after winter.

After reaching the Upper Emerald Pool, we retraced our steps to Zion Lodge to meet my mom and head back to The Strip. Even though we had limited time, I knew I had to return for the Angels Landing hike someday!

In Las Vegas, before heading to the airport, we made one final stop—The Brahma Shrine, a quiet place near Caesar's Palace. It's where people gather to say prayers and make wishes. At the center sits a statue of Brahma, a Hindu god, adorned with bright decorations, flowers, and incense. Surprisingly peaceful amid the city's hustle and bustle, it's not the usual Vegas sight. Yet, it's a spot where visitors seek blessings and a moment of peace.

I stayed there for a while. It became a quiet place for me to gather my thoughts. Lighting incense sticks, I prayed silently for peace, hope, and a clearer perspective. This shrine meant a lot to me, especially during these tough times. It helped me understand that things were going to get worse before they got better and to embrace the uncertainties ahead.

Four years later, I revisited the Brahma Shrine, taking time to reflect on the journey following my father's passing in 2012. This return was strikingly different. The previous visit felt like an enormous weight on my chest, making it hard to breathe, challenging to imagine life without someone who had always been there. But over time, adjustments were made; memories of the good times were cherished, lessons were learned from the hardships, and I shared advice with those facing similar experiences. Sharing my story became part of the healing process. The heaviness lifted, and the agonizing pain we once felt when I sat with him after his passing had disappeared.

He appeared peaceful, at ease, no longer enduring any suffering—words I used to dislike, but now understood with clearer perspective. We embraced life's lessons, rebuilding our world in his absence and living to honor his memory as well as our own. It marked the beginning of a new chapter—just book it and go. Work hard, play harder. Life's too short to wait. The extensive road trips became a big part of my life, fueled by my drive to explore every state and National Park. This new tradition I started - exchanging usual holiday and birthday gifts for shared adventures - has truly evolved, including my husband, my mother, and my sister. It's undoubtedly become my best idea yet!