Courage Took Over

After breakfast we hiked up a dented hill and crossed a monkey bridge.  It was a muscled tight rope with arms that bonded together as one by one we walked across the bubbling stream.  I looked down and thought I saw an image of a water goddess waving as we held onto the ropes.  But it was probably my imagination.  We landed safely and again Jacky took a headcount.  We ate the prepared bologna and cheese sandwiches (that finally began to grow on me) and sipped from a water canister.  Next we were instructed to get into a canoe to row back over the river from where we first came.  My knees began to buckle and my heart began to swell.  The only water I ever floated was in a bathtub and that never crossed the English Channel, much less a trickle of outdoor water.  I began to sob endlessly, as Jacky coaxed me with soothing words that she would be my guide and won't leave my side.  All the other campers that crossed with the assistant counselor waited patiently for our venture to begin.  It was probably how some animals felt while filing into Noah's Ark wishing their fears away.  I climbed into the canoe, yet face still wet with tears and a lifejacket tightened like a  gasping turtleneck sweater.  My memoirs began to float back home reflecting how I was instructed to pull the harsh winter sweater with dismay over my head and bundle of thick reddish-brown hair.  Soon afterward, a few seconds of calmness appeared.  Jacky was like an orchestra conductor, tapping the side of the canoe and gently pushing the oars into the sand to float us into the water.  It was so peaceful with trickles as she steadily lifted her head like a swan floating us down the Nile River.  I took both oars followed her instructions to move my arms gracefully.  The canoe came alive shining proudly like a knight's armor.  As the canoe became more visible to the other side of the shore, I carefully peeked like a prowler to see how far my journey had begun.  Finally, I was proud to make such an accomplishment that was rightfully earned, no one to judge only with applause and no one can ever take that moment away.  I tucked this into my thoughts forever.  Now and then I reflect of that moment, so I decided to share with you today.  Thank you Jacky.