It's just different....August 2007

When you go camping with a group of about 40 people and all of them are just a lot like you in values, beleifs and treasures, it's so easy.
A kid needs something, everyone understands. No one judges, no one lays blame, it's just fine.
Someone comes in to camp at midnight and half a dozen folks come crashing through the woods, set up tents, warm up sleepy kids, unpack sleeping bags, all with a laugh, a smile and relief that we're all finally together. Then they sing happy birthday to the kid who just turned 11 at midnight--but really quietly so the babies stay asleep.
If you don't like your dinner, someone is making something you'll like, and they're more than happy to share.
When your own kid is driving you nuts, they're not driving someone else nuts--and that someone might even take them fishing.
A camp fire is a time to relax, lean in and just be together, even if crazy folks are baking one chocolate chip cookie at a time over a fire--someone else will hand you a beer and make you laugh til it comes out of your nose.
And a bike pararde is really meant to be done by teenagers with glow sticks in their spokes at midnight, really.
Maybe this is how we're truly meant to live. It sure felt good.
Bless you all who were there and you who might be next time, too.