​This past weekend, I went camping with both of my brothers and their families.   When I left Friday with my girls, I knew I had a fun time ahead of  me.  I had informed my nieces, Mikaela and Sophia that I had jumped off  of my boat at my cabin just a couple weeks earlier and they were proud of my for trying something that they knew I was scared to attempt. 

A week before our camping trip, Mikaela suggested that I go down the water slide at the campground.  I thought she was crazy and told her that I could not do it.  "Yes you can!" she said right back to me.  I reminded her that I can't swim and she quickly turned to me to say that the pool is only five feet deep.  I'm deathly afraid of water and I proceeded to explain to her why that is.

When I was a little girl, I took swimming lessons and was actually a pretty good swimmer.  People would comment to my mom how well I swam at such a young age.  There was a BIG problem though:  I could never get my feet planted on the ground after swimming.   While swimming, I would raise my hand out of the water and whomever was the person in charge of me would grab me and stand me back up.  So, yes, I can swim.  However, I can't stand up when I'm done.  I'd have to say that's kind of an important part.

After my niece listened to my explanation she informed my that her dad (my brother) could catch me when I went down the slide.  I knew at that point, that this twelve year old was not going to let this go.  I told her that when we got to the campground I would try and go down the slide, but I'd have to wear my life jacket.  I'm telling you that I am really scared of the water. 

When I got to the campground that Friday evening, my niece didn't give me much time before she asked me when I was going to go down the slide.  I told her that she had to go back to the camper to get my life jacket and by the time she got back, my beer would be gone and I would do it, just to get it over with. 

Mikaela quickly returned with my life vest.  I put it on and looked out at all the people vacationing at the pool.  I told her that I didn't care what they all thought of me, even though I'm pretty sure they thought it was odd that a  35 year old woman was wearing a life jacket.  Next, I told her that she would have to go up the ladder behind me, because if I chicken out she would need to just push me down the slide.  She said she could do that for me.  As for my brother, he stood in the pool at the base of the slide waiting to catch me as though I was three years old. 

As I climbed the ladder, I could feel butterflies in my stomach.  I know it's silly to have felt this way, but I couldn't help it.  I was trying this for the first time because I was NEVER able to do it as a child.  There is no way my muscles could have handled the sudden movement going down the slide not to mention how nearly impossible it would have been for me to get up the laddert in front of all of those people. My  bottom had barely touched the slide when Mikaela gave me a good strong push. I quickly found myself flying down the slide doing something impossible.  Mikaela never gave me the chance to chicken out and I'm thankful for that.  She helped me face my fear.  And even though I didn't think it was fun, I'm really glad that I did it.

I should probably add that as soon as I got out of the pool, Mikaela insisted that I go down the bigger slide that is also an enclosed tube.  I was even more scared to do that, but I did it with the support of family.  Life is too short to not take chances and face our fears.  This is something that I will remember for ever and I think my niece will too. 

Tonight was Winona and  Sharon's bridging ceremony.  Sharon went from being a Daisy to a Brownie and Winona went from a Brownie to a Junior Girls Scout.  Before we left, my mind went back to the night I bridged from a Brownie to a Junior Girl Scout.  I remember that I didn't really want to go to the ceremony.  I was too nervous to walk across the bridge if front of all the parents and grandparents.  My parents made me go and I did just fine. I made it across the little bridge and received my Girl Scout wings. 
This evening was so different from that night over twenty years ago.  As the co-leader of Winona's troop, I had to stand in front of the parents and grandparents and speak.  I didn't get emotional until it was time for me to take each girl's hand and walk them across the bridge.  By the time I walked the tenth girl across the bridge, I thought to myself, "I can't believe that I'm doing this, at night, in front of people."  Tears welled in my eyes just as it was time to congratulate the Junior Girl Scouts with applause.  

So, I can't help but wonder if all those people think that I'm just a crazy, emotional, Girl Scout leader.  There were only a handful of parents that know "my story"  The rest of them don't have a clue that a little over a year ago it would have been a chore for me to get to this ceremony and I would not have been able to assist in any way.   

I will remember tonight as long as I live, just like the night nearly twenty five years ago.  Only this time, it will ALL be happy memories.


Mom and Dad,
Thanks for making me participate in that bridging ceremony many years ago.  It was an important night for many reasons, but most of all it helped me to really appreciate the special gift that I was given tonight.  Thanks for always having faith in me.  I love you both!
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​This past weekend I went to a family reunion.  I enjoyed visiting with those who I only see at weddings and funerals.  I must say that it was kind of weird seeing them in shorts and t-shirts.  Anyway, we took time out of the day to take group photos.  The last photo that was to be taken was of the entire group. 

Since everyone's cameras were running low on batteries, I was asked if we could use mine.  Everyone took their place for the photo and I quickly tried to figure out how to set my cameras' timer to take a photo. 

As soon as I knew everyone was ready, I asked where I was supposed to jump in.  The answer was up front, right next to my niece, Becca.  I stood behind my camera, looked through the lens and then pushed the button to take the photo.  Then it was time to run!  I ran as fast as my flip flops would take me, sat down next to my dear niece. crossed my legs and smiled with a second to spare. 

How is it possible that I did this?  In the past, someone would have had to help me walk to where I would have to pose for the picture.  Not this time.  I did it and on my own,.  So, when I look at this photo of me sitting up front, with a big smile on my face, I know that it's much more than a family photo.  I also have a pretty good idea that my grandparents saw the whole thing from heavan and that makes my heart smile.