Conquering a Fear

The second hike up Shakespeare Rock was with Justin. This was the climb I was most worried about, partially because I expected Justin to be more likely to slip on the dusty trail or the sharp boulders, but mostly because I knew that Justin has a fear of heights.

We made the ascent in about forty-five minutes largely due to the fact that I had left trail markers during my hike with Andrew. So this trip we wasted no time wandering in the woods searching for the main and auxiliary trails. Justin also hiked without complaint and took few breaks for water. He seemed eager just to get to the top. He had no idea that I was worried that once he made it, the view from the rocky summit might trigger his fear of heights.

To my private surprise Justin climbed the last few yards over the large craggy boulders with little difficulty and then quickly began admiring the breathtaking view and pointing out the many landmarks he recognized. We called Kathy who was surprised we were already at the peak. She took the golf cart down to the pier to wave to Justin and to tell his brothers who were crawdad fishing with a neighbor beneath the dock.

While we had lunch and waited for Kathy to call back Justin announced to me, "Dad, guess what? Today I conquered another fear."

So he had thought about it, I mused, saying, "Really, Justin, what fear was that?"

His explanation delighted me. "Well, you know how sometimes when I climb steep stairs or I'm standing in high places I get afraid I'm going to fall? I get a feeling like there's a cool breeze blowing on my tummy. Well, today I didn't get that feeling. I just love it up here. I didn't even get scared."

Perfect. I couldn't have been more proud.

Kathy called back and Justin told her about the hike. I could hear his brothers in the background shouting their hellos. Kathy told Justin what a good job he'd done. Justin told her about conquering his fear and thanked her for her comments.

We hung up and finished our lunch while Justin told me more about his excitement. Then he asked me, "Is it okay if I try to make my voice echo?"

"Sure," I answered hesitantly. I was afraid he might resurrect our private joke from the movie Brother Bear and imitate the rams who keep shouting "Shut up!" to their own echoes. I didn't particularly want Justin shouting "Shut up!" and "No, you shut up!" from the top of Shakespeare Rock.

But Justin stood up, turned and faced the lake, and shouted, "Hello! I love you! Thanks for all the compliments!"