James Shows his Colors

Last august-september, i set up the tent out side to let it air out a bit, and let the kids play in it. i got lazy and didn't take it down over the weekend like i intended.

when we left to work and daycare in the morning, i told the boys how windy it would be that day and hoped that the kiddy pool wouldnt blow away.

after i had the kids and we were pulling up to the house, we noticed that the tent was being pulled by the wind, which was getting pretty gusty and was only being held down by some strings that were caught on our pear tree.

James was the most adamant about saving it.

i pulled into the garage, and started going about unbuckling the kids as quickly as i could, so i could rush out there to save the tent. after i had everyone free from the car, i started to try and account the location of my kids and couldnt find James. this upset me because i didnt know where he was, and i would have to try and find him before i could go out and start my work. it was about then that i heard a cry of help. i went out the back door of the garage, and found James holding on the the swimming pool with all of his strength. the wind had the pool and was trying to pull it out of his hands, and it was so strong that James could not walk with it.

i grabbed the pool and threw it in the garage and james and i ran over to the tent. i untangled the rain guard, and had james sit on it. i then quickly rolled up the main body of tent and made to grab the rain gaurd from James so we could run back to the house, and he stubburnly held on to it.

so together, carrying our burdens, we ran to the garage to throw the tent in a safe place.

James was crying hard, but he wouldn't let go of the pool. he was scared, but he wouldn't let go. i believe that bravery is standing against the onrushing terror, placing yourself between that which you love and that which would take it away. no matter that you would rather not; scared, sobbing, and afraid, it is not a question of how you pertain yourself, but that you stand. and that you stay.

James showed his colors that day. and they were brilliant.