Two Little Vowels

Trail and trial. Five exact same letters. Try saying them quickly multiple times over with a few additional words for a good tongue twister. A mere reversal of two vowels changes the entire context of expression, nuance of the communication or implication of the active out- workings of each noun.

Def. Trail: a beaten path through rough country such as a forest. A route planned or followed for a particular purpose.
Def. Trial: a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.

Two modest words. Intrinsically different in connotation, yet veritably intertwined. Each intimating a longstanding, subterranean, symbiotic acquaintance and familiarity with the other. A ‘beaten path through rough country’, a ‘test of performance or quality’, on no account mutually exclusive. Old friends.

The reality of this truth, lies on the trail. Embedded in each footstep. Ingrained in attitude. Eight months ago, the trail was slow. One physical step at a time; with walking aides. The trial seemed to overshadow the trail. Directions unclear, a tangential pathway built on the smallest of increments. Test of performance through rough country all encompassing, engulfing.

Leaning into the trail, each footstep imparts another message, imprints direction, embeds a truth of the present and betimes a hint of tomorrow. Mapped through varying terrain of cross country and well paved paths, the trial alters the vantage point, pushes the comfort zone, skews direction of the trail and often crosses with unwanted visitors, (aka bears!).

Walking forward, the shadow of the trail past forms, testifying progress, mapping hope for the trial ahead. The demand for a trust in the valley and the comfort of a rod in the darkness. Through uncertainty and vulnerability a reliance on, “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me”.  An acceptance of collective experience. A trail walked before. A trial rarely traversed in isolation. For the steepest of inclines a Sherpa stands ready. Willing to shoulder the load, share the road, provide encouragement. The mirage on the horizon ever present, ever pressing, ever beckoning.

Amidst this trial, the trail is formed. Footprints of despair, anguish and disillusionment.  Footprints of determination, diligence, perseverance. Footprints of courage, growth. A trail loaded with memories, learnings, appreciation. A trial that fades and forms a new trail.

Epilogue:

The evolution of my trails:

• Bathroom to Bed
• Bed to Kitchen
• Kitchen to Couch
• Couch to Car
• House to letterbox
• Car and beyond chauffeured
• Car and beyond unchauffeured
• Local micro walks
• Local small trails
• Local longer trails

Transition to long holiday trails

• Colorado trails:
  • Arches trails
  • Petroglyph trail
  • Flatiron/Boulder trails
  • Gorge trails
  • Grand Monument trails
  • Glenwood springs trails
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison trails
• Toronto Trails
  • Arrowhead itchy trails
  • City trails
• Catskill trails
  • Waterfall trails
  • Great ledge trails

 “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu

Thank you to my trusty husband who has been the steady navigator of trails, the sherpa of loads and the best trail partner one could ever wish for.