A Last Look Back

I think I've figured out the reason why The Pines is like my home. And it wasn't what I thought it would be.

I really just noticed this year how many benches there were. How many chairs. At most camps, you're always in a rush, on a certain schedule with a certain activity that you have to do. There's some of that at The Pines, and it's good to stay active, but there are times, including times in life, that you just need to slow down. I don't know how many times that I just sat and talked with people for long periods of time...whether it be friend, counselor, or stranger. And you can tell God is present. It's incredible.

I think that may be what I miss the most. And the sad thing is that I'll probably never see a lot of those people again. It's disheartening, but it's definitely worth it.

There are those people that say that they don't want to fall in love because it only ends up in hurt. Those who don't want to have fun because it will end one day. But the thing is...what kind of life are they giving themselves if they don't live it?

Fall in love, often. Dive for that frisbee. If you miss, the faceplant will be awesome enough. Talk to people. Not that fickle crap through Myspace or text messaging. Really talk to them. A meadow, a garden. A walk through a forest. You may never see that person again, but the hurt will end, and that experience will last an eternity.

I'm still hurting from knowing that I may never experience The Pines again. It will go away, as all pain does, but I know that I'll be able to look back and smile. I'll see memories that I cherish. I'll always look back. This memory right now though...I'll remember certain specific awesome things about it. Hilarious things...emotional things...great things. They may fade in the future. I'll still see the grand picture, but those small little memories may fade. And so this, my last look back, will be of my friends. And they will always be my dear friends.

Brett, Drew
Nick, Josh
Kyle, Matt
Chris, Mac
(K)Nitro/Other Greg
Glenn, Cameron
Kelley, Laura
Rebecca, Laurie
Erika

I will always cherish this summer.

The Pines

You can disregard that post below this one for a second.

Oh, The Pines. The place I always talk about. The place where I always meet new friends. The place that changes my life annually. It's much more than a summer camp or a retreat.

It's the place that I call home.

Driving on the highway, looking at all this big business, all this speed, all of these irritated people...then we take a turn off onto some slightly paved road. If they have a speed limit sign in this forest, there isn't a need for one. It's natural for people to drive a little bit slower as they go through.

That road takes you to The Pines. It's my home, my playground, and my classroom. It has shaped any good that you see in me. It's shame it only lasts a week. And it's a shame that it will be my last week.

I think that when something or someone goes away, it hurts more that you know you won't see it/them again. As opposed to realizing it later. The reason I say this is because I have a feeling that I'm going to be looking around the camp a lot, knowing I won't see any of it anymore.

Maybe that will make it a better experience...to take it all in like that.

But you know what will be a really good experience...reading the letters that %n sends me. lol m i rite???//?

Or else.

Anthony Gerhart
300 White Pine Road
Big Sandy, TX 75755

Apparently, only parents can email campers, so they don't publicly give out the email address. I don't know it. But hand cramps are worth it. ^_^

You know how long mail takes, so don't send one on Friday or anything.

I will write you back though. Please send me a letter.

I'll actually write a blog when I get back.

Back on the 16th!