About the Cover
April 1, 2008
A water jug capturing reflected sunlight drew attention one morning during a routine jog on the ridge top. On closer inspection, a large camp was discovered just over a hill from our house. Camp remains of backpacks, discarded clothing, food, trash, and water jugs were scattered along a protected, well-hidden draw. My husband Keith and I discovered this second camp on our land and it was noticeably different from the previous camp. Women crossers were included in this group, evidenced by clothing, personal items and female debris.
Hauling endless loads around the hill to the truck connected us to the intensity of the journey these travelers were committed to. This by now lightened load was cumbersome and heavy even with our fresh energy on this Saturday afternoon.
Hovering over our heads was the hummingbird, quite distressed that her home was being disrupted. The nest rested in the tree branches hanging directly over the camp. How cleverly the hummingbird had constructed her nest, gathering threads from blue jeans and discarded cotton fabric to weave into the design.
We kept nothing from the cleanup except a small rolled up 1” x 5” note, the very last bit of paper that was picked up after the last backbreaking load. This note revealed the slightest hint of one young woman’s separation from her family, packed with a tender message of hope, love, sadness and encouragement.
We don’t have any answers.
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