I knew when I read Nie's post about hiking the "Y" for her one year anniversary and her invitation for all to join, that I was going. I didn't hesitate knowing I could support her in some way. Granted she has no clue who I am, and it wouldn't make any difference if I was there, but I wanted to go for her and for my own heart. 
Kim and I went together on Saturday night. Kim and I have followed Nie throughout her accident. We prayed just like the rest of the blogging world for her to heal and to wake up. We were pulling for Christian, Nie and her family. And in some sort of weird way, I almost felt like I "knew" Nie like a sister. I felt like we all did, she was such an special person and we all loved Nie. .jpg)
Kim and I drove to Provo to the beginning of the trail head. We know Provo because we both went to Brigham Young University. (95-97) Ry and I dated and fell in love in Provo, so it's a little part of my history. Plus my parents just got back from their 3 yr mission in Provo. Kim has 3 or 4 siblings that live in Provo and Utah County. So Provo feels like a little bit of "home" for us.
We parked and walked up to the trail head and immediately recognized Nie's family. All of her cute sisters: Courtney, Lucy, and Page were there. Her brothers were all there too. Then Nie's cute mom and dad came and they were all smiles and happiness. What a beautiful supportive family. I immediately teared up. I just felt like it was such an honor to meet such a great family.
(And it's strange when you blog, you feel like you "know" these people b/c of the pictures and posts that you have read. I think you fellow bloggers understand what I mean.)
start of the trail head...her family and friends
We were all gathered around waiting and then
Nie and Christian pulled up to the curve and got out.
She was beautiful. She was amazing. Like I said, words can't really express correctly....I cried under my glasses, not for sadness but for joy of Nie. She came out so happy and ready to go. But she stopped and turned and hugged a couple next to Kim and I. Then she turned to me and she reached up and hugged me. She said, "thank you, thank you for coming." and I was so choked up but I said , "no, thank
Y O U." and I told her I loved her. She immediately said thanks for all the support and she hugged Kim too and she had tears in her eyes. I was so humbled. And I know she didn't know us and we didn't know her but the love was there.
"GO NIE"
She hugged a few more people and went to the start of the trail head. Her dad thanked everyone for this year of support. He talked about Nie and the accident. You can tell he is such a great man and he is so proud of Nie and her life. 
Nie and Christian started the hike hand in hand. She was so strong and hiked up the switchbacks back and forth, never stopping. It was so cool. People clapped and cheered for Nie when she made it to the top. The family took pictures and congratulated Nie. Kim and I sat in the far corner and stayed out of the way. It was such a great moment to be a part of. I loved being there and watching Nie accomplish that. It was such a beautiful night and a moment to remember....
Looking down into the Provo valley.
Nie's kids and family were all around her. She has so many great people that love her.
Stephanie and Christian at the top.
WE watched the sun drop and drop....
To this view! It was so pretty.
Kim and I left before Nie and her family and we hiked down the trail.
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I think we were both taking the night in and feeling so lucky to be a part of Nie's accomplishment.
Like I said, it was such an honor to meet Nie. I was nervous about this post because I didn't feel it was my place to put myself with Nie. She is honestly the most amazing person I "know." She really has changed me and changed so many of us. I am just humbled. Nie has blessed all of our lives.
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I will N E V E R forget this experience and hiking the "Y with Nie.
7 comments:
You did it. Fabulous and touching post. I loved it. It was tastefully done. What an awesome experience. She is an awesome person. I wonder how I would do if put in that situation. It's amazing and inspiring. Fun experience to share with Kim. It makes my little trials look like nothing. I do agree with you that you feel like you know someone after blogging. I think it's brought all us girlies closer through blogging. See ya in a bit.
Tawny that is so amazing - I had no idea you hiked the Y! I just read Nie's post then was so surprised to read your's, too! So happy you did that, it seems like an amazing experience!
xo
That is really cool you finally got to meet her after all this time of reading about her. She is amazing. You also are amazing by being there for her as a good friend and going to this event to support her. I loved this post. When you said you cried under your sunglasses, I was crying under...wait I don't have any on....
I'll have to go and read her post. See you soon.
I am crying, crying, crying.
I wish I could have been there. I prayed all day for her..wanted to get some balloons to release, but of course, never got to it.
NO words. I have no words. Ya know, my post last night is so stupid..because all I have been thinking about is Nie, and I didnt know what to even write. So I wrote about banana bread. So dumb.
She has changes so m any lives. SHe is an angel. I believe that strongly. The LOVE she has for her family, husband and GOD are of a SAINT.
I am so glad you went to the Y and supported her.
You are a beautiful woman , too, ya know...
I'm so glad we were able to do this together. I think you said it perfectly. I know you were worried blogging about this, but it was just right. I think she would be honored by what you said.
Perfectly said.
Thank you for being able to make us feel a little of what you felt up there. We need that.
What a beautiful post Tawny.
Wow, I didn't know you hiked that! I would have gone too! That is pretty cool Tawny, you will have to tell me more about it next time I see you! We missed you at the pool today.
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