The first year Maddie came to camp she was eight years old. She didn’t smile much, and she never wanted to participate in the games. She always just wanted to watch. I was sure she wouldn’t come back.
But come back she did. She’s been coming ever since, and she loves it all. The next two years she and her cousin Sophia would always walk with me on the hikes. The challenging part of that was that they always wanted to hold my hands. I’m not a real touchy-feely person, and my hands would get so sweaty that I would want to take my hand away. But I never did because these girls were just the sweetest, and it was a special gift for them to want my company.
Maddie has grown, and that’s not how it works anymore. But that’s ok.
This year she asked for a Bible and her cabin leaders got her one and signed it for her and marked a lot of good verses for her to read. The last night of camp she brought her Bible to me and asked me to sign it. “I saved a page for you,” she said. I filled the whole page up with words I hope she will want to remember.
Something else happened this summer. Another camper came along who wanted to walk with me and hold my hand. Emery is another one of those special kids. She wants to be my pen pal throughout the year this year. I’m looking forward to it.
I put some of these thoughts into a poem. It seemed the right medium for saving this memory.
Maddie
Five summers ago you took my hand
And hiked each day of camp.
You talked and laughed to my delight
Until my hand was damp.
Two summers more your face lit up
When first we’d meet again.
And still you held my hand on walks
And with me you’d remain.
But as you’ve grown these past few years
My time with you is passed.
My hand and company are not required.
I have been surpassed.
This year another camper came
So like you in many ways.
Kind and sweet and talkative,
Smiling and eyes a-blaze.
She held my hand and hiked with me
And did so with great delight.
She shared with me such special things—
And all was then put right.
She won’t replace you in my heart.
There’s room for both (and more).
You’ll always hold a special place,
Always be adored.
But time flies by (as it must),
And life moves on (as it should).
And you grow up and I grow old
And life is very good.
