That One Moment

 

Chris taught outdoor adventure-based education, physically and mentally challenging activities that involve some risk and that focus on pro-social development. Most of the work he did involved at-risk youths. He was recently working with a group of female youths between the age of 12 and 15. They were nearing the end of the second week of a four-week program. The group had progressed smoothly through the “Team” elements and moving to a “High” element called the Wire Walk.

The Wire Walk involves climbing up a pegged tree to a wire cable, 25 feet off the ground, stepping onto the wire cable, then walking across the cable, holding on to a loosely tied rope five feet above. During the entire process, from ground to finish, the participant is attached to one end of a climbing rope for safety. The other end is controlled by a trained instructor. It is a very safe procedure.

They spent some time talking about the emotions the girls had, then Chris asked who was willing to try. A few girls raised their hands, and they were able to complete the Wire Walk with little difficulty. Once the other girls saw their success, a few more were ready to go.

“Who would like to go next?” Chris asked. A few of the girls said, “Susie’s ready.” Sensing her reluctance, Chris asked Susie if she was ready. She answered softly, “I suppose.”

Susie was safely tied in and standing at the foot of the tree. Chris took up the slack in the rope as he watched her make the long reach for the first peg. The group applauded her efforts with rally cries and cheers. Then Chris watched Susie’s face tighten with every step. He wanted her to do the Wire Walk and he knew how good it would make her feel. But he’d seen this fear many times and he realized she would not go much farther.

Susie was halfway up when she embraced the tree in a big hug. Her eyes were shut tight, her knuckles white. With her cheek pressed against the bark, she shouted, “I can’t!”

The other girls sat in silence. Chris began to quietly talk to Susie, trying to get her to ease her grip enough to lower her down. He talked for what seemed a long time. Then he ran out of words and was quiet.

The silence was broken by Mary. “I will be your friend no matter what, Susie!”

Chris was surprised to see Susie clinging to the tree, lifted her head to look up the wire. The white in her knuckles had gone flush. She turned to look down at Mary and smiled. Mary smiled back. Chris was on the job again, taking up the slack in the rope until Susie reached the wire.

Susie made it all the way across the wire. When she returned to the ground, the first hug she looked for was from Mary. All the girls cheered. Their young hearts show inspiration and courage. Their lives are filled with choice of risk and danger; somehow they go on and get to the wire.