Barb Furstoss has lived in the Rochester area for almost three decades. She admits she is just now discovering the natural beauty of the region. That realization came to her as a result of a milestone birthday.

Furstoss turned 50 in August 2009. At that time, she had a mild interest in hiking, so she challenged herself to take 100 one hour hikes before she turned 51.

"I would hike and it was just so pretty: The blue sky, the flowers, the snow, the trees, the animals. Just so pretty. When I'm hiking and it's springtime, I get all excited. It's new life. It's growth. I'm discovering it for the first time being 50. So, where have I been all this time?" said Bard.

Like many, Furstoss has been busy. She’s a mother, a wife, and carries a full time job. Once too busy to notice nature, now she does.

“I lost my son in a car accident ten years ago. When you suffer tragedy, the rest of your life doesn't have to be tragic. It can still be beautiful."

Ten years later, the healing continues. Nature reminds Barb of her son's interests, but there's another benefit to hiking.

"A lot of the time, I like to say that I hike to heal. Exercise helps. You get those endorphin feelings. You're out in the air, sunshine – it just adds to the healing," said Bard.

Furstoss helps run a support group and offers grief counseling.

"It takes a lot of work. A lot of people wake up three days after the funeral and think life is going to be what it was. It ain’t happening."

Furstoss started a website called Beautiful Mourning to help others cope.

"Most people think that grief and mourning are the same thing. They're not. Grief is the internal feelings that you have, the fear, the anxiety. Mourning is the outward expression of that. That could be a scholarship, planting a garden, being proactive in getting through the loss you have experienced. You can experience joy after tragedy; whether it's just being with friends again, or hiking, or dancing, or bike riding, or whatever. The basic message is that there is joy after tragedy, but you have to work at it.”

“My son was Adam. He was 18 years old. That kid was so much fun. He loved a good time. He loved family, friends, and fun."

Barb's challenge for her 51st year: Hike 100 different trails before she turns 52.

For more information on Barb's support group follow the link below.
Beautiful Mourning