I went to my first camp so long ago that I barely remember any of the details, except, Itchigooma. Around the camp fire one night a well intentioned counselor told the story of the boys who disappear in the woods each year. A trapped spirit lives in the branches of a special tree. On any dark night you could hear the low moaning and if you wandered too close the branches engulfed you forever. The spirit was called Itchigooma. For many years I ran home through my darkened neighborhood avoiding the trees and the frightening spirit. I finally came to grips with my fear.
This was a McCall lake week with my daughter and her 9 and 6 year old kids. We have a great time at the Lake, in spite of the unseasonably cool and damp weather. Megan is an excellent water skier and I pride myself on having gotten a lot of youngster up on skis for the first time. Hank was very fearful of this activity. So fearful that he became visibly nervous and distraught. I asked him why he was scared and he said, “I don’t really know, I think it is all in my head.” To put this in context, Hank is a good snow skier, loves to boulder, plays basketball, tennis, golf and is a good swimmer. When we mention these positive skills to him, it does not equate to “nothing to fear”. Only teasing, his mom said if he did not try he was going to have to dress like a little gentleman all year. His friends were even going to buy him a top hat. Even worse, his grandmother, said he had to drink her special beet juice every day. Hank finally relented, he got in the water with his water skiis and me by his side for moral support and to help stabilize him. He called for his mom to hit it and he was up, pulled too hard on the rope and sunk gracefully down. “One more time after I get in the boat and rest”. Ok, he finally re entered the water, yelled hit it, and he was up. Hank skied half way around the cove on his first try. You can enjoy the look on his face in the photo. He skied again the next day and plans another adventure tomorrow. The accomplishment of overcoming your fears is a big part of learning and growing. Well done Hank.
Hank and Margie are very lucky, they have a mother who can help them find a balance. Hank’s fear was contagious for his little sister, who is generally fearless. Margie loves to tube, but was suddenly too frightened to get on board and the easy ski was also too scary. The solution for Margie was a bit of bribery, a bit more time on the internet. She negotiated more time when we wanted her stand up on the ski, and Hank chimed in with an offer of his own money. Megan adds humor to the potion and we can move on to the next challenge.
You are fortunate I will not attach a home video of the events. The main point I hope to make this week, give yourself a vacation from the news cycle. I went a few days without hearing about the great orange liar, fires across the globe, the war in Ukraine, immigration, global warming, water shortages…..all of the issues that cause me to fear for the future.
Bernard Baruch was instrumental in the positive US Economic outcomes during WWI. Baruch’s words resonate today. “Two things are bad for the heart, running up stairs and running down people.” Led by our former leader, the Wanker, degrading everything and everyone that does not agree with you is good sport. Baruch also believed, “be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us “He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”
Find a fear to overcome and watch out for Itchigooma. Mike