About this time last year, we were driving across the US with our two little ones and everything we own in tow. Off to new adventures, a new location and the expectations of great things. Little did I know that just days later, as I was returning to Missouri to tie all loose ends before graduation and give final goodbyes to friends and family, my father would unexpectedly pass without an embracing goodbye.

It has been one heck of a year since that day. I graduated school in one state and began practicing, making new friends and raising my family at the base of the Wasatch Mountains here in Salt Lake City.

Mountains have always intrigued me; their formation, shape, towering impressiveness, and I would choose a getaway to them over the beach any day! Over this last year, I have spent a fair amount of time, not as much as I would like, but a fair amount, up in this beautiful mountain range.

To stay true to the relation of running in all my posts, I have logged many-a-miles on my surrounding trails. But today I speak more of being lost in a more figurative sense rather than literal.

Do not be confused, I have been lost many times over the last year exploring trails, peaks and canyons. Sometimes it is a simple turn around and head back down..but not always. There are times when you have to realize that you are lost, you see no trails around except for the one off in the distance and the only way to get there is bushwhack through the thicket. After you come to the realization that falls and scraps are inevitable, bushwhacking is sort of fun.

Over the last few months, and especially the last few weeks, as the memory of my father plays more prominent in my thoughts, I have felt off trail in my personal direction as well as my professional. I can see a trail off in the distance but man…it is thick, rocky and treacherous to get there.

As I embarked on a nice peaceful hike/run yesterday, thoughts raced as I tried to slow them down and take them one at a time, giving each respect. It is important to disconnect at times, to search for answers, direction and spiritual guidance.

As I winded up that single track trail toward my goal of an open aired peacefulness, high above the bustling city below I addressed each of my concerns. In the hours I was on the trail, each question was answered and I understood the direction. By the time I reached the summit, there was clarity, there was understanding and there it was, it returned, the drive to bushwhack…to push through and come out the other side a stronger, better individual.

Simply put, the stronger of an individual we are, the more we can offer to our friends, family, and those we care for. I encourage everyone to find their spot which offers clarity. I have been blessed to realize that mine is a few miles from my front door…and a few miles in ‘woods’ with a couple thousand feet of vertical as well.

-Dr. Reh