I believe that everyone has someone in their life whose kindness and purity never cease to amaze. When you’re around such a person, you feel something divine in this world. Absolute and unconditional love. In my life, that person was my grandfather. He was such a bright person that everyone loved him, even animals. Chickens would jump onto his lap so he could pet their combs. He had an incredible way with animals, a gentle touch that seemed to calm even the most skittish creatures. Much of what he told me back then, I only understand now, more than 20 years later.
He often took me mushroom hunting when I was a child. Those excursions into the forest were magical adventures for me. We would wake up early in the morning, with the first rays of the sun just peeking through the trees. The forest was always so alive, with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. We walked through the forest, and he shared his wisdom with me, which at the time seemed silly or strange. For example, he said that if you respond to evil with evil, the evil will come back to you. But if you respond to evil with good, the evil will die. Back then, it seemed absurd to me.
He felt at home in the forest, and even though we wandered through wild and sometimes impassable places, I always felt safe with him. He knew the forest like the back of his hand. He could identify every plant, every bird, every rustling sound. His knowledge of nature was vast and deep, and he passed on as much of it as he could to me. We would often stop by a stream, where he would show me how to find the freshest water or the best spots for certain types of mushrooms. Those were precious moments, filled with learning and love.
He is gone now. On that day, not only did I lose my grandfather, but the universe lost the purest beam of goodness. I moved to the USA, halfway around the world from that familiar forest where we picked mushrooms together. Imagine my surprise when I first entered this foreign forest and suddenly felt at home; I felt his presence. It was as if he was walking beside me, guiding me once again. The trees were different, the sounds were different, but the feeling was the same.
Since then, I go hiking several times a week. At first, I was very sad that he couldn’t be here with me. I walked the trails and imagined what he would tell me now, what he would teach me. And then I realized that he sees this forest through me. Not in a magical or spiritual sense, but in that I am his legacy, I am his knowledge, I carry with me the experience of this great man. He gave me the ability to enjoy simple things, like the nature around us. This realization brought me comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. I felt that by continuing to explore and appreciate nature, I was honoring his memory.
Now, as I walk through the forest, I listen to the birds because my grandfather drew my attention to their sounds. I look at the moss growing on trees and understand where north is because he taught me this. He would show me the different types of moss and explain how they always grew on the north side of the trees. I have learned to distinguish the local trees, just as my grandfather taught me to distinguish them in my home country. The firs and pines of Washington state are different from the birches and oaks of my homeland, but learning to recognize them has been like learning a new language, a way to connect with my new environment.
The mountains of Washington state have become my second home. Their rugged beauty and the sense of peace they bring me are invaluable. When I hike through these mountains, I feel a deep connection to my grandfather. I remember his teachings, his kindness, and his love for nature. I often think about how much he would have enjoyed these hikes, how he would have marveled at the different flora and fauna, and how he would have shared his endless knowledge with anyone willing to listen.
In the quiet moments, when the only sound is the crunch of leaves underfoot or the distant call of an eagle, I feel his presence most strongly. It’s in these moments that I truly appreciate the gift he gave me – the ability to find joy and solace in the natural world. He taught me to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the intricate details of life, and to understand that everything is connected.
Every hike I take is a tribute to him. I carry his wisdom with me, using it to navigate not just the trails, but also the challenges of life. His lessons on kindness, patience, and the importance of responding to negativity with positivity have shaped the person I am today. As I walk these paths, I am reminded that I am never truly alone. His spirit lives on in me, in the way I see the world, and in the love I have for the forests and mountains that have become my sanctuary.
I am grateful for the time I had with him and for the profound impact he had on my life. Moving to a new country was daunting, but finding a piece of home in the forests of Washington has been a blessing. It has given me a sense of continuity and connection, bridging the gap between my past and my present. My hikes are not just physical journeys, but also emotional and spiritual ones, where I reconnect with the lessons and love of my grandfather.