Made up memory: Kindred Spirits/Need a Lift?

Ben and Grandma Ridges on an adventure in 1993

Ben and my Grandma Ridges are truly kindred spirits.  They were always up for adventure, and much happier and at peace if they were outdoors enjoying nature.  We have said many times that we like to think Grandma Ridges met Ben as he passed into heaven and took him straight to Moab to enjoy the red rocks and sand that their spirits were so drawn to.

Grandma Ridges and Ben getting ready to have lunch on a slick rock trail...not sure who is passed out beside them.  Jeeping can be rough!

Grandma came on almost all of our Jeeping trips to Moab.  When we would come up to a big obstacle, many of us would bail out of the Jeep out of fear and stand to the side to watch rather than ride.  

But not Ben and Grandma Ridges.  They wanted to be right in the action.

In 2001, Grandma was with us on another trip in Moab.  However this year the Jeep had gotten taller, and at 87 years old, and 5' tall, her little legs couldn't quite make it up to get in. She typically did her best to get a leg up, and then would reach in and the driver would pull her up.  But this was getting more and more difficult. She decided once she got in with some help, she would just have to stay put until we were done.

But Ben took it upon himself to be Grandma's personal lift into the Jeep.  He scooped her little body up very gently and sat her in her seat up front.  And Ben did that for her every time she wanted to get in and out.

Ben has always been so thoughtful and kind, especially to our grandparents. And as he passed through the veil, I think my Grandma was happy to return the favor as she helped him into heaven. 

Excited to have this sweet boy to share some new adventures with again.