On parenting, parting and piccolos

Saturday night was a magnificent experience. The symphony performed at the North Rim!

Traditionally, the Symphony of the Canyons makes an appearance at the lodge each season, usually playing on the veranda with the spectacular panorama of the canyon itself as the backdrop for their evening program. This year, weather forced them to abandon that and move the entire performance into the auditorium off the lobby, a space nevertheless quite well suited for music. The huge picture windows along the south wall also allowed the view to remain a part of the experience, which included a variety of popular tunes and patriotic medleys. The highlight, undoubtedly, for most of us was the famous 3rd movement from Ferde Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite, more popularly known as "On The Trail." It might not have been played note-for-note perfect, but hearing it surrounded by the massive stone walls and wood-beamed ceiling of this ancient structure, with thunder and lightning in the distance for added effect, was certainly the way the composer envisioned it. And, frankly, they actually did a terrific performance. Afterwards, it was off to the saloon for Irish coffees with dear friends and then back to the dorm for the last few minutes of the Cowboys broadcast.

Wednesday night I went camping with Allan and several friends in the Kaibab National Forest. He insisted on one last campfire and a bit of camaraderie before he returned to California, so I couldn't say no. Wrapped in a blanket in the front seat of my Jeep proved to be more comfortable than I imagined and alot warmer than the tent Allan and Brody shared. The best part, of course, was that when the alarm went off, I simply started the engine, said "goodbye" and returned to the dorm. I walked into the office at 7 a.m. as if nothing unusual had occurred. The rest of the morning flew by and by noon, "little brother" and I were enjoying one more meal in the lodge dining room and spending the next few hours taking photos on the Bright Angel Point trail along the rim. The Boeshaars were a delight to meet and we spent awhile in the saloon before unloading Allan's belongings from my vehicle into theirs. I will certainly visit them in Simi Valley before the end of the year. Their invitation was definitely appreciated.

Personally, I have never been anything close to a parent. Maybe being "Big Bro," "Dad," or "the Old Man" has given me a perspective many single people do not get to experience but that only scratches the surface of what it means to raise a child. I do know, however, that when you have grown attached to someone and had the kind of experiences I shared with this particular "youngster" in such a short time, saying goodbye can be very difficult. And for all the mental forewarning you can give yourself, when the moment at hand comes nothing can stop a few tears and a choked-up "goodbye, little brother..."

The good news is that I have a new roommate and I've known him for 26 years! A great friend from Utah was planning to visit over the weekend and before I knew it he was offered a job on the front desk.

Before I go, let me end with four very "Happy Birthdays" to Mark Glowacz, Drew Girton, Colette Lyman and Jim Drew. In a ten-day span, four people who have brought me years of friendship celebrate one more year of their own adventure on this planet...I wish I could be with all four of you! Thank you for sharing at least some of your years with me.

And to Allan, thanks for making the Grand Canyon such a spectacular memory. I only wish you could have been here Sunday when I came face-to-face with my first rattlesnake!