The 2025 Spring Equinox Hike that never happened. (Viewer Discretion advised.)

Dedicated to my wife and my mom—the two Wisdoms in my life.

The Spring Equinox has always held deep significance for me, not only because it symbolizes life and renewal but also because it marks my mother’s birthday. Observing the equinoxes and solstices—four pivotal days in the year—is something I have always enjoyed. For over a decade, I have observed the Spring Equinox by going on a sunrise hike in the mountains. I usually share photos from my experience, and this year, a few people asked if I had gone on my hike and, if so, why I hadn’t posted any pictures.

The truth is, I wasn’t able to go this year. I hadn’t planned on sharing this, but after some thought, I decided to do so.

A few weeks before the equinox, I woke up with a sharp pain in my left leg, just below the knee. When I looked down, I saw a large bite mark. The area around it was swollen, inflamed, and discolored.

At first, I didn’t mention it to my wife. I assumed it would heal on its own. But as the days passed, the inflammation worsened. The swelling spread down my leg, affecting my ankle and foot, making it painful to wear shoes.

Following the advice of the Wisdoms in my life, I went to an urgent care clinic. The doctors asked if I had seen what bit me. They suspected a spider bite and wanted to know if I had located and removed the spider from our home. Unfortunately, I hadn’t found it.

I received several shots to treat the infection, but a few days later, my leg wasn’t improving. I had to return to the doctor, who ordered an ultrasound to check for a potential blood clot. Thankfully, there was no clot, but I was warned to monitor it closely. If my condition didn’t improve, I was to go to the hospital immediately.

Little by little, with the help of anti-inflammatory medication and additional treatments, the swelling began to subside. It took nearly three weeks for my leg to return to normal.

Lately I have thought a lot about this experience.

What should someone do if they find a potentially harmful creature in their home? Spider bites with severe reactions like mine are rare, yet most people are instinctively afraid of spiders. Many would simply kill them on sight.

My daughter, however, has a heart of gold. She won’t even harm a fly—let alone a spider. Time and again, I’ve seen her carefully scoop up insects and release them outside, returning them to the earth where they belong.

This made me think hypothetically: 

What if there were a structured, fair process for safely removing creeping things like spiders from a home? Imagine if, after following that process, someone still felt it hadn’t been done correctly. What if they insisted on bringing the spider back inside, claiming the process that was followed was flawed? Would those living in the home feel safe?

Would it be righteous to prioritize the procedure over the well-being of the household? Or what if we  say, “Spiders do what spiders do,” and allow the spider to stay in our home. Just don't get to close to it or aggravate it. 

What kind of a father or husband am I if I didn't do anything, and just let the spider stay in my home. What if the spider attacked again and bit my wife and daughter.

Sidenote: 

My wife and I recently watched the movie Braveheart. This is the 30 year anniversary release of this historical movie epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson. It tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against England’s oppressive rule in the late 13th century. After the brutal murder of his wife by English soldiers, Wallace unites the Scottish clans in a fight for freedom against King Edward I ("Longshanks"). I was inspired to see the sacrifice that William Wallace made in the defence of his wife and his people.  If only there were more men like William Wallace today.