The Old Man Returned

One day last year, I decided to visit Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. I had been to the park several times before. It's a lovely and peaceful place, just about a 45 minute drive from where I lived at the time. Silver Falls is not only known for its many trails and amenities but it's infamously known for the 10 gorgeous waterfalls along its seven-mile loop.

This trip to Silver Falls was different.

On previous visits, I always started the trail loop at the lower north falls, never completing the entire loop. I'd hit about three falls, turn around and go back to my car. That day however, I committed to exploring the entire trail and started at a section of the trail I had yet to visit-- the south upper falls. It was a beautiful trailhead. Well designed and maintained with a lot of places to sit, think, reflect and grab a cold brew at a small cafe after the seven mile journey.

Being unfamiliar with this section of the park, I looked a bit lost and confused trying to figure out where the actual trail entry was. Instinctually, I felt a presence, an extra source of energy of sorts, close to me. I turned my head and from out of no where, an older gentleman appeared behind me. He looked to be in his 70s, white hair, about 5’ 5”, flannel shirt, jeans with a small backpack strapped securely on his shoulders. He said to me, “Can I help you with something? You look lost." I giggled and said, “Well, actually yes, I’ve never started at this entry point before and I can't figure out where the trail starts.” The old man says back to me, “Come on and walk with me, I’ll get you started.”

I paused and pondered. Why does he feel familiar to me? Have we met before?

We chit-chatted as he guided me down a short, paved path that ultimately led to the start of the south upper falls trail. He shared with me that he's walked the entire loop about 15 times and was very familiar with it. He knew the secret "off-the-path" sections where wild black berries grew. He asked me what I did for a living; I told him I was in public health. He said, “Wow! You have a very challenging job these days with the opioid and the homelessness situation.” I said, “Yes, it is quite a challenge frankly, but I can’t think of a better career to help those who need the help the most.” He proceeded to tell me that he is a physician of alternative medicine, entering his 40th year of practice. We had a wonderful robust conversation about individual behavior, natural remedies, universal health care, grief and family. He had just lost his wife of 50 years. 

We came upon a fork in the road; to the right was the beginning of the trail head I was looking for and to the left was a lookout over the first of 10 falls. He said to me, “How about we walk together for a little more. It’s always great to talk with people on the trail.” Quickly, as if to cut off any further invites from him, I replied, “That's so kind of you. Thank you. I hope I don’t offend you but hiking alone is extremely important to me. I use this time to reconnect” And with a pause, in the same gentle manner he displayed when he first asked me if I needed help, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Are you familiar with the Don Miguel Ruiz ’s Four Agreements?” Embarrassed I didn’t know what he was talking about, I said, “No, I’m not. What are they?” He said, “One of the agreements is, Don’t Take Anything Personal. I’m not offended and in fact I am joyful that you find peace being by yourself” I asked, “what are the other three agreements?” He replied as he walked away from me, “If you have cell service, look them up on your phone and reflect on them along your walk. Have a wonderful day and may you have peace forever.” 

I stood there frozen, watching him as he walked away. I continued to watch him until he faded from view. I watched him, not out of fear, but out of bewilderment. You see, Silver Falls is located in very deep and dense forrest thus cell service is hard to come by if at all. But on that day, three full bars appeared on my phone. 

I had cell service along the entire seven miles and enough battery-life to research and read all four Agreements: Don’t take anything personal; Be impeccable with your word; Don’t make assumptions; Always do your best.

Much of Ruiz's Four Agreements posits that personal discontent or disappointment with one's situation is self-created. It continues on saying that most of the time, individuals always have the power and ability to reposition their ethics, their agreement with others, God and purpose. 

This time last year, tough life decisions were on the horizon for me and my family. I needed time alone. I came off the trail feeling alive. Invigorated. Inspired. Whole. It occurred to me at mile six, why the old man felt familiar to me. He was my assigned angel.

Angels don’t appear without reason or have to do anything in particular to remind us of our purpose in life. Once we open ourselves up to our angel's presence and remind ourselves to find purpose again--Integrity, health, family--we are able to set ourselves free.

On June 25, at 9:00 AM, the old man-- my angel-- returned. Right on time as usual. He reminded me to seek happiness. To do the good work, not political work. To be true to myself, not to someone else's agenda. Finally, be honorable, not disgraceful. Boy, it's good to be free.