Kaden Laga was lost in the wilderness for nearly a week.

“You better promise me that you come home safe.” That was the promise Kaden Laga gave his wife Arden as he left for a hiking trip with his family and horses – a trip that didn’t go as planned after his horse went lame.

“He was standing really still. He hoped that after a whole night of water and food, he’d be fresh and ready to go,” said Laga.

Instead, they were down one horse and Laga decided to hike ahead. But hours later, he realized he was lost.

The first night alone on the mountain, Laga was wet and cold. He believed he would not live to see the sunrise.

“I wrote a little text in case they found my body cold and I just said, ‘In case I don’t make it out of here, I love you. I’ve loved my life with you and I’m so sorry I left you to be a single mom,'” said Laga.

For the next few days, Laga hiked and hiked. Soon he saw helicopters flying overhead. Realizing rescuers did not see him on the ground, Laga says he decided to get out himself and continue hiking. He lived off of berries and bugs. Five days later with worn out feet, he says God helped him fulfill his promise to Arden.

“I’m very grateful and just overwhelmed by such a loving family,” said Laga, through tears.