The Happy Place

Artem Kniaz, UnSplash

My niece and nephew were supposed to visit us for a week to do some whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. It was an active vacation for active kids. 

Two days before their plane was to take off, my brother called me. 

“Rod. Bad news. We can’t make the trip.”

“Why?” I asked. 

“Anna’s (my niece) camp had a COVID outbreak. She’s home sick and we’re likely to get it as well.”

“Dang,” I said. “How’s John (my nephew)?”

“He doesn’t know yet. He’s at camp this week, too, and we haven’t told him.”

Life moved on. The rest of the family showed up and played around in the lakes and mountains in our slice of Idaho. 

After everybody went home, I called my brother. 

“How’s everybody feeling?”

“We’re all OK. Nobody else ended up getting sick.”

“Dang,” I said. “I’m sorry you guys couldn’t make it.” 

“Don’t be,” he said. “The kids wouldn’t miss camp for the world. It’s their happy place—and there’s a shortage of those right now.”

I smiled. I was happy the kids were happy and happy to hear—once more—validation of the power of camp. I hope all of you had a great summer and are enjoying a well-deserved rest. To help you decompress, we’ve put together another fine issue—so sit back, grab a cool drink, and give it a read. I bet you love it. 

Till next month…

Rodney J. Auth

Publisher

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