It was October 2020—a moment suspended between the chaos of what had been and the hope of what might be. The world was cloaked in uncertainty, and so was I. Like many, I’d been tethered to the familiar walls of my home for months, yearning for a taste of something different, something freeing. I didn’t realize that life, in its infinite wisdom, was about to offer me an unexpected gift.
I was just tidying my desk, preparing to leave my office, when the phone rang. “Hello, Leisa,” came the cheerful voice on the other end. “This is Canyon Villas at Coral Ridge, calling to confirm your check-in for tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? My breath caught. I blinked at the empty room as though the walls might explain. Tomorrow? I was certain my reservation was still weeks away. Had I made a mistake? The memory of booking it, paying for it long ago, floated to the surface, but it felt as distant as another lifetime. Now, suddenly, I had a three-bedroom condo in southern Utah—with no plan, no preparation, and no idea what to do.
“I’ll call you back in fifteen minutes,” I stammered, clutching the phone like a lifeline.
The moment I hung up, I called my husband, my mind spinning. Could we turn this chaos into a family escape? No, the timing wouldn’t work—too many doctor’s appointments, too many immovable pieces of the puzzle. But one thing became clear: I could go. I could take this unanticipated week as my own. And so, in a heartbeat, the reality shifted—I was now a woman with an empty three-bedroom condo and an open road ahead.
But the idea of going alone felt incomplete, like a song waiting for harmony. What if someone joined me? A friend, perhaps? Or…my sisters. Yes, my sisters. That thought flickered like a match, igniting something deeper—a longing to reconnect, to share this gift of time and space.
On my way home, I stopped by my sister’s house. Sitting together in her backyard, I let the words tumble out. “Do you want to go to Zion National Park with me?”
“When?” she asked, amused by my sudden enthusiasm.
“Tomorrow,” I said, and we both burst into laughter at the absurdity of it all. Yet somehow, absurdity made it possible. Her husband was working from home—thank you, COVID—and with a little juggling, she could come. One room filled.
Then it hit me—Zion was nearly halfway between my home and my other sister’s in Phoenix. I called her next, half-holding my breath. Could she? Would she? Her answer came quickly, full of the same spark of spontaneity: Yes.
In the span of a few hours, what had started as a logistical error transformed into a magical reunion. A sisters’ vacation. A week of shared laughter, long conversations, and the healing power of Zion’s majestic cliffs and canyons.
And so, like hobbits stepping out of the familiar into the unknown, we found ourselves on a journey neither planned nor expected, but utterly perfect. Sometimes, the best adventures come not from meticulous plans but from the serendipity of life’s surprising invitations. And in those moments, we discover not only the beauty of the world around us but the joy of rediscovering each other.
Photo by Natasha Maw
THE LODGING
Canyon Villas at Coral Ridge
The Canyon Villas at Coral Ridge condos are one of our favorite places to stay in the St. George area.
THE FOOD
THE CREAMERY
Beaver, UT
The Creamery in Beaver, Utah, has long been a cherished road trip tradition for me, and on this journey to southern Utah, I had the chance to introduce my sister to its delights. As we pulled in, I couldn’t wait to share this special stop—a place that holds so many sweet memories for me. From its creamy ice cream to its warm, welcoming atmosphere, The Creamery is more than just a roadside attraction; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures.
Watching my sister enjoy her first taste of their ice cream was such a fun moment. Sharing something that has been a meaningful part of my travels felt like passing on a little tradition. For me, it’s not just about the ice cream—it’s about creating small, joyful memories with people I love, and The Creamery was the perfect start to our southern Utah adventure.
THE ATTRACTIONS
ZIONS NATIONAL PARK
SPRINGDALE, UT
Visiting Zion National Park for the first time with a disability was a profoundly different experience from my earlier trips. In the past, I’d eagerly tackled challenging hikes, scaling trails with the confidence of someone who could take on anything. This time, I had to slow down, plan carefully, and approach the park with a new sense of awareness.
Instead of conquering steep climbs, I found beauty in the quieter moments—listening to the gentle rush of the Virgin River, marveling at the play of light on the canyon walls, and embracing the stillness of less-crowded paths. The experience taught me that Zion’s grandeur isn’t only in its towering cliffs or challenging trails but also in its ability to inspire awe and connection, even when the pace is slower.
SNOW CANYON STATE PARK
IVINS, UT
Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem of red and white sandstone cliffs, lava flows, and sweeping desert vistas nestled in the heart of southern Utah. Just minutes from St. George, this park offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Trails wind through dramatic slot canyons, petrified sand dunes, and ancient lava tubes, revealing the park’s rich geological history. Whether you’re exploring its unique landscapes or simply soaking in the beauty of the vibrant canyon walls, Snow Canyon is a sanctuary of natural wonder waiting to be discovered.
SANTA CLARA PETROGLYPHS VIA ANASAZI TRAIL
Santa Clara, UT
RED HILLS DESERET GARDEN
ST. GEORGE, UT
As you wander its paths, you’ll encounter unique displays of endangered plants and even stumble upon ancient dinosaur tracks preserved on boulders unearthed in the St. George area. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, this garden is a delightful blend of nature, history, and innovation.
KAYENTA ART VILLAGE
IVINS, UT
We made a stop at the Kayenta Art Village, an inspiring destination tucked away in the red rock desert . The village has a vibrant blend of galleries, studios, and boutique shops, offers a perfect escape for art lovers.
Games & the MS Brain
Evenings at the condo often found us gathered around the table, tiles clinking and laughter filling the air as we played Rummikub. I’ve always loved games, the way they invite connection and friendly competition. But this game? It was new to me. Normally, I’m quick to catch on—rules, strategies, patterns—they click into place like pieces of a puzzle. This time, though, the pieces felt scattered, just out of reach.
As we played, I began to notice it. My mind wasn’t keeping pace. Patterns that I knew were there stayed hidden, teasing the edges of my awareness. My sisters would call out moves I hadn’t seen, and it was painfully clear that something was different. By the third evening, I finally managed to win a hand—a small triumph, but one that came with a tinge of sadness.
The truth settled in slowly, like a shadow crossing the room. This is MS brain, I thought. A part of me wanted to scream, to push back against this new way MS was intruding into my life. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was humbling. The sharpness I’ve always relied on felt dulled, and that realization cut deeper than I expected.
Still, as the tiles clinked and the laughter carried on, I tried to remind myself: every victory, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Sometimes, the game isn’t about winning—it’s about staying in it.
