Two years ago in celebration of Kids to Parks Day we visited Buttermilk Falls in Layton, NJ the highest waterfall in NJ and part of the Delaware Water Gap National Park Recreation Area. The drive in is as treacherous as the reviews say so I was perfectly content to explore the base of the falls while Jack ran up the stairs to enjoy the view. He was back down moments later insisting I join him at the top. I hesitantly agreed to go halfway to a viewing deck. As soon as we began climbing he showed me some graffiti someone had written on the steps “I will love you every step of the way.” He climbed slowly and patiently, offering me his hand when there was no railing, suggesting safer ways around slick rocks and twisted roots, encouraging me every step of the way and when we paused to look out at the view half way up he somehow convinced me to make my way to the top. Looking down that waterfall and out at the forest and mountains around us was exhilarating. So very grateful he believed in me, convinced me, and helped me back down. Loved every step of the way.
