Young men back packing trip

 Braxton and Tyler are heading off on a week-long backpacking trip with the young men in our ward—this time to Red Castle.

It’s a 9-mile hike in, deep into the wilderness, and though it’s not the same mountain they were on ten years ago, the memories feel just as sharp.

Because ten years ago, Braxton—only 7 years old—was backpacking with Tyler when everything changed. Tyler’s legs cramped so badly that he couldn’t move. He couldn’t finish the hike. He laid in the dirt for 29 hours while they waited for help, in the middle of nowhere.

I’ll never forget that night. I got a call around midnight: “Tyler is being life flighted off the mountain.”

That was all they said.

I didn’t know what had happened. I didn’t know if he had fallen off a cliff or was even still alive. My world stopped. The fear, the helplessness—it felt unbearable.

Eventually, we learned he had suffered from severe metabolic muscle spasms, and the recovery would be long. He had to relearn how to walk. And honestly, his body has never truly been the same since.

And now… they’re going back.

This time, with strength. With wisdom. With preparation.

Tyler has trained for this. He has an emergency SOS device, and he knows his body better now.

Braxton, now a young man, is strong and capable—but he still has allergies we worry about. He’s packed with his EpiPen and Benadryl.

I’m proud of them. I really am.

But I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t anxious.

Please, please keep them in your prayers.

Pray for safety on the trail.

For strong bodies and calm weather.

For moments of laughter and connection.

For healing—for their hearts, their bodies, and their memories.

And if you can spare one more prayer, please say one for me.

That I’ll feel peace while they’re gone. That I can let go of the fear, even just a little, and trust in God that this time will be different. That it will be full of beauty, strength, and better memories.

Here’s to second chances.

To facing fears with courage.

To a father and son walking back into the wilderness—not to relive the past, but to rise above it.

And to the quiet, steady love of a mom and wife who remembers it all—and chooses hope anyway.

The youth in our ward went on a 5-day backpacking trip to Red Castle, hiking a total of 25 miles throughout the week. Braxton caught 17 fish, throughout the week and both he and Tyler had an amazing time. All the boys did great! I’m so grateful that Tyler and Braxton were able to experience this adventure together—such a special memory for them both.