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A Boy’s World Changed in Seconds

  • October 11, 2018
  • by Brian Manhart
A Boy’s World Changed in Seconds

On a recent overnight, school trip with my 11 year old son, Joseph, I experienced an event in less then 10 seconds that changed his world forever.

On a group hike, we stopped and prepared to contemplate some questions and answers about nature. Our group of students were then ask, “who would like to read the first question?” VERY surprisingly, Joseph raised his hand.

I immediately felt my hands get cold and my heart speed up. Joseph has struggled with reading from the beginning due to a slight case of dyslexia. Like every good parent, I didn’t want him to be embarrassed and hurt. Out of the 7 hands that raised, Joseph was chosen.

I was amazed to listen to him read the 2 questions (w/ 2 tough words) without hesitation or challenge. He placed the booklet on his lap. The teacher looked up at him and responded, “Wow, you’re a really great reader!”

I watched Joseph smile, quietly, look down at his paper and then up again, then down. He never looked at me, but I know he felt my happy eyes gazed upon his proud self. His mind and heart went to a confident, secure place, far from the spot in the woods we were all sitting. He may forget every detail about that moment in time, but he will never forgot how she made him feel. Positively changed forever.

How many times do we miss an opportunity?    What distractions deter us?
** For young and the “young at heart”…Kiowa helps find the answers!

 

 

Brian Manhart is the president and CEO of Camp Kiowa (overnight summer camp) and Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat (retreats, reunions, outdoor education, overnight accommodations and more) located just outside of Gainesville, TX.
Most importantly, he’s Jennifer’s husband and Joseph, Claire, Luke and Eli’s dad.