Madison's Memorial Day

Today was an absolutely incredible day! I had my first "Madison moment" just about 10 miles outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico. The bus was traveling through the Strike Valley, between the foothills and the eastern slope of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, when I saw a small herd of elk off in the distance. Madison's shrill, excited voice was in mine when I spotted them. And again when we started spotting the snow capped mountains in the distance as we entered the town of Mora. And again and again as the bus slowly climbed the steep grades into the mountains - oh my gosh, the breathtaking beauty! I kept remembering Madison's excitement when we were on a road trip together in Oregon and Washington, seeing the beauty of those mountains. His shrill and excited voice resonated in my mind all morning as we traveled in the bus.

As we entered the outskirts of Taos with the majestic mountains as a backdrop, we passed by a quaint little Catholic cemetary. It was jam packed with families placing flowers on the graves of loved ones, a bitter-sweet reminder of Madison's celestial journey. There is no better way that I can honor and memorialize Madison than to travel in his beloved bus, going places that I know he would love.

At the Visitor's Center in Taos, we were greeted by the sweet, healing melody of a flute being played by a Native American Indian. Memories of our celebration of Madison's life at Cooper Chapel filled my heart and soul.

Our day ended at Capulian Campground in the Carson National Forest just outside of Taos. Our campsite was nestled among tall pines and cedars beside a stream, and ironically was #8, Madison's special day!
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