This memory has been one I have written a lot about. I even have a short story about this published. However, I will tell the story again for this prompt. It’s about one time we went camping in Yosemite National Park, at the peak of the park called Tuolumne Meadows. My family tradition was camping there once a year, in August.

Tuolumne Meadows is beautiful. If you are not a believer in God, I encourage you to go there to see his wonderful creation. I was 11 years old at the time, and was off by myself on a massive rock over the Tuolumne River. The pine in the air was a heavenly scent. The cool mist coming off the rushing river was like a cool breeze touching my face.

My life back home was chaotic. My dad was emotionally abusive, and my mom was the quiet, obedient wife. Living like that made me become a very depressed and anxious child. Deep down, I even held anger, but I didn’t dare show it. But once a year, in Tuolumne Meadows, I felt peace and serenity that I didn’t feel at home.

Looking out from that rock, I could see the peak of Half Dome reaching to the sky. I smiled as the river rushed by, and people were splashing around in the water. There were smaller rocks within the river that people hopped across. But the rock I was sitting on was just enough away from the commotion to hear the birds chirping. At 11 years old, I was spiritually conflicted. I knew I was attracted to other girls, and in the late ’80s, that was not accepted, especially by the church.

So, I had a lot of shame and self-hatred because of it, feeling like I was destined for hell. However, not so at the Tuolumne River. I felt God’s love and peace surrounding me despite what the church taught. It has been my safe place that I go to in my mind whenever I feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or out of sorts. When I take myself back to that moment, and the moments similar every year, a peace comes over me and I can relax.

At 11, I had the dream of living in Yosemite and becoming a ranger. I wanted to experience that peace every day of my life. Instead, I became a writer, writing about moments like that. I can get lost in my writing and be pulled into the environment I am creating.

There were many more enjoyable moments in the week that we went camping. I remember Tuolumne Meadows had a store where you could buy t-shirts, pictures, mugs, glasses, stuffed bears, and all sorts of things. Right next to the store was a stand that made delicious soft ice cream cones. I always got a vanilla cone, and licking the ice cream was a smooth, milky taste of heaven, lol.

Then there were the hiking trails through the woods that I loved. I walked at a slow pace, relishing everything around me. I walked through the meadows and would catch a view of deer grazing.

This was my escape once a year from the chaos I lived in at home. I cherished Tuolumne Meadows and waited anxiously all year to return. I wasn’t filled with anxiety, shame, self-hatred, or depression in Tuolumne. I was utterly at peace.