Girls
A few weeks ago mom and I went "RV ing" with our friends Don & Susan, Susan's sister Sally and Sally's friend Cathy. We camped at a state park in eastern Indiana at Brookville Lake. We had a fun, relaxing and learning week while there.
Our campsites were at the end of one section of the campground. Don & Susan's RV was at the top of the curve, we were across the road from them and Sally & Cathy were next to us. Since it was a one-way road into the sites, all traffic in our section rounded the curve by us as they headed back to the entrance of the camp. Sally & Cathy's site had a nice shade tree next to their trailer so we all settled there when we were outside. They had a big mat on the ground and we put all our chairs, tables and fans there and with the shade and a nice breeze it was a great congregating place for the week.
Each day, folks would drive by, walk by or ride by as we waved or said hi to those passing. Every day, a group of 4 young kids came by, 3 girls and a boy. The oldest girl was probably 10, the next 9, then 8 and the boy was maybe 6. Every day the 9-year old was so outgoing, saying, "hi...how are you...what'd you do today," followed by a "see you...hope you have a good day tomorrow." The 10-year old was equally friendly as were the two younger ones, but the 9-year old was the leader.
As I said, every day, they would ride by and wave and say something friendly. One day the 9-year old saw me near our RV and asked what we were doing tomorrow and I said we were going "Pontooning". She asked what that was and I pointed to a nearby pontoon boat and said we're taking one of those out on the lake. She oohed and ahhed and said that sounded like fun. She introduced who she was as well as her three amigos and then asked my name. I told her mine and immediately forgot who she said all their names were and they were off for fun again.
On our next-to-last day, the two older girls rode by while I was outside our RV and Miss Friendly said "tomorrow is our last day" and I told her it was ours too. We talked for a minute and then I asked her where her campsight was and she pointed to a big RV about 6 sites from ours. I walked toward their RV while the two girls took off on their bikes. When I got to their site, there were 6 or 8 adults sitting underneath their shade tent along with the youngest girl and little boy. I didn't want to say "are you guys with the two little girls on their bikes?"...because I was afraid I would scare them thinking that I was telling them they were hurt or were in trouble...so I said..."I want all of you to know, you have the sweetest kids. They are so outgoing and friendly and so sweet...whatever it is you are doing...keep doing it because they are just the greatest kids". They all thanked me for what I said and the little 8-year old girl came over and gave me a hug before I headed back to our camp.
In a few minutes the oldest girl came by on her bike and told me thanks for coming down and saying what I did. I told her she was welcome and that I meant it, they were very sweet kids. Soon, the leader of the gang rode her bike over, stopped, got off her bike and walked over to me and said thanks for what I had told her family and then handed me a bracelet as a gift...one of those that kids make with a bunch of little rubber bands. She said her name was Evelyn, and got back on her bike and headed back to her camp.
(I'm not crying...you are.)
She had just proven what I had told her family...what a sweet little girl.
Why the title Win...Win?
Evelyn was a winner...because she had an adult other than her family, tell her she was a good person, that kindness is recognized by people, and hopefully she will continue to stay that way. Folks appreciate happy, cheerful, kind people. I hope as she grows, she'll remember the time the man at the campground came and told her family what a nice girl she was.
And I won...because I realized there are still families out there who teach their children to be kind to others, to enjoy life and have fun. It's not a bad world out there...unless we make it that way. So don't.
REMEMBER: Some people are no nonsense, but personally...I like a little nonsense.
Be talkin' to ya.
Dad
