For the past 60 years, Barbara Gallagher, 77, has cherished Sabino Canyon. She lives in Tucson, Arizona

Love can be between people, but today I only can write about love for a place.

My place is Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. This is the place that has held me together through all of my loves because sometimes love is with you and sometimes love is a hurt that has left you.

My family moved to Tucson in 1959. I had no idea then that this place, this canyon, was going to be the thread that runs through my life.

When I was a teenager, this was the place we gathered and shared friendships. We went there every weekend and followed the stream going up and down the canyon through all the seasons.

My family’s ritual was to make breakfast in the canyon after church. I used to feel like we were the poor people who had to make family fun out of food in the park.

But now, I appreciate those family times. I still can see my family when I pass that familiar place in the road from my hike on the Phone Line Trail.

Throughout the years, I took friends to the canyon and we shared our stories of marriage, children, divorce and losses. 

There was a time when I ran the canyon with a running group and, again, somehow, we managed to share our stories and run. 

Now, I walk the canyon. Some of the people with me are the same. I’ve gathered some new friends to hike the canyon. The canyon still is giving me my place, and I’m still learning about the canyon. After 60 years, there is still more to look forward to.