Life took some jerky turns and left me with emotional vertigo. Denver had been our base camp for many exciting adventures and, in the rhythm of this new place, we found ourselves comfortable. That comfort incited strange vulnerabilities to hijack our flow, leaving us confused and car sick. One moment we sat applying for our marriage license, full of joy at the new chapter we were entering. Next, we were standing in an empty parking space with the realization that most of our earthly possessions vanished without trace. I still struggle to optimize such a devastating situation, but after the van blew two engines, vehicle problems was the devil I knew. This time there were no roadside repairs or tow trucks, only the clothes on our bodies and one backpack holding our sacred camera. In some ways, our Jeep’s unfortunate theft gave us an absurd freedom. Our current state was similar to the months we had spent on the trail, autonomous in every gut wrenching way. We were still healing, both in body and mind, from our life spent in Appalachia. So when we were left stranded and destitute, our sense of belonging shifted back to the familiar spirit of foot-travel. Caleb and I agree that if something doesn’t kill you, it must be survived. No matter how painful and violating it felt, the Jeep (and everything within) was only a material thing after all. More importantly, it was a thing we knew how to live without. Accepting this fact, we decided to go through with our wedding plans. After a long and adventurous engagement, we sealed the deal on a lifetime of exploring the world together. Hiking into a small valley nestled in the Rockies, we exchanged vows to cherish and love each other as we were and as we would be. People always commented things like: “If you can live in a van together…” or “If you can hike the Appalachian Trail together..” led by some affirmation of our likelihood for success. If we could withstand years of such incredible highs and treacherous lows, I did believe we could weather whatever storms came next. Especially true because we are surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community. Losing everything but each other meant we needed to rebuild and work towards a new goal. Living minimally has brought us fulfillment in ways previously unimaginable and as we piece back our life from the socks up, I feel grateful to have this detached relationship with inanimate things. Instead, I allow my heart to connect with people and relish experiences. Despite the unhinged entry into our marriage, I actually find it fitting that we roll with the punches. If life is just a wild ride, we’ll hold on and try to enjoy it.
