TOVO Tuesday 146

Growing Up

In many ways, I grew up in New Hampshire.? ?

Each summer I would spend a month at Camp Belknap on Lake Winnipesaukee. I started as an eight-year-old child and stayed each summer until I became a camp counselor.??Interestingly, I have had the same job ever since. ?

There on the granite shores and still waters I met friends.? ?

There I was guided by older boys who were kind, intelligent, artistic and athletic.?

There I admired leaders who were well-educated, polite and giving. ?

There civility and respect mattered.? ?

I learned in the forest that the world has room for innocence, play and vulnerability. I led a life of daily chores and unbridled joy.? ?

Now on the shore of the Mediterranean, I see children seeking that same sanctuary.? ?

Pure development.? ?

I see now that this crazy idea to offer the friendship, guidance and advocacy I was afforded as a young boy is a noble one. I am so grateful to watch young people thrive in the midst of marvelous mentors. I am grateful to watch children venture to extraordinary.? ?

This is my youth. This is my present.? ?

This is as it should be.? ?

In many ways I grew up in New Hampshire. In many ways, I learned there what matters most.? ?

Kindness and courage.