When I arrived in Bandelier on September 1st, I knew I would have to leave on September 30th, which means I knew exactly my allotted time. Somehow, knowing a fixed date makes each day seem valuable and precious. And, as those days draw to a close, it is natural to wish for one more hour, one more afternoon, one more day. So I asked if I could leave on October 1st instead. My wish was granted.

Today was the gift of one more day here in this wonderful canyon. One more day to drive to the Valles Caldera, hoping to see some elk and maybe hear them bugling, something I had been hoping for all month. This morning, that wish was fulfilled.

One more day to spend time at the Visitor Center, enjoying the Rangers, the people, and the Pueblo Revival architecture.

One more chance to hike the Tyuonyi (QU-wee-neh) Overlook Trail, seeing sunset in the canyon from the mesa.

One more night to watch the sun sink below the horizon, watching stars prick the growing dark one by one, until finally the Milky Way spills itself across the sky.

Every day should be treasured as if it were that one more day. One more day to hear the voice of someone we love. One more day to hold someone’s hand, hear someone’s story. One more day with a sweetheart, best friend, parent, child. One more day to see how small we are in the vast expanse of space and yet how precious each one of us truly is. One more day to pray for peace, work towards understanding, to care for our little blue planet that sustains us all. One more day to see the world for the wondrous miracle that it is, to take time, even for a moment, to be grateful, to stand in awe-struck amazement that, even in the worst of circumstances, we are here, alive, and full of light.