Archery Girl

I first saw you several years ago. You may not remember me from then, but I sat next to you in the health center. You were shivering and nauseas. You felt dizzy. You were withdrawing from Ritalin because your parents didn't bother making sure it came to camp with you. Luckily, the symptoms passed as the next 24 hours went by. And the symptoms didn't amount to anything severe.

When I saw you this year, you ran up to me and hugged me tight. You were so happy to see me even though I didn't know you well. You hug everyone though, and sadly, it shows just how craving of love you are. It's because you lack it at home. And I am sorry for that, because everyone deserves love.

I hate to admit it, but I was a little worried when I saw your name on the cabin list, and even more worried to see your lack of maturing over the past few years. You don't fit in, and it's obvious. And quite frankly, you are tiring.

But it looked like I avoided you when you didn't show up for any activities I taught.

Then Tuesday came. And the director asked to speak to me. Apparently you weren't doing well in craft classes. You were moved to archery. You did not want to be there. But you were. And you really didn't have much choice in the matter. Your acting up got you kicked out of the other class.

So I got you. And your lack of self confidence became increasingly evident as you refused to set down your stuffed animal and you apologized profusely for any wrong doing, even if it wasn't your fault.

You were scared to shoot a bow and arrow. She almost cried. You were afraid you would hurt someone, or me. But I told you if you obeyed the rules you would be fine. And you did. And you were.

When you first shot, your form was off. But we worked to fix it. Then you got it. Then you hit the target. You couldn't believe you could!

Then you got a score high enough to start working toward a level. And you did.

That day, you told me you loved archery. And you told me the director was right when she said I was a good teacher.

That week you got two levels completed. And you were proud. And my gosh, was I proud of you.

I saw confidence I never saw in you before. And that brought joy to me. You were more focused then you ever were before, succeeding at something you had previously feared.

So little effort on my part brought life into you. And you fit in. And you were Archery Girl.

Thank you Archery Girl, for blessing my week.