I walk around this place realizing I can't remember a time when I didn't. I grew up here, and can't imagine being anywhere else. When I am here, time stands still outside, but flies inside. Masks disappear and I am free to do as I chose. I become uncaged, and all my uncertainties are vanished within the first day I am here. The days fly by on the wings of my uncaged soul. I say things without thinking, I have literally no regrets. My actions are wild and crazy. Things happen in the blink of an eye and never turn back. In two short months, I grow up and mature more than I do in the other ten. People come and go, and when they do, I cannot stop sobbing uncontrollably. Nothing can describe how I feel about this place. Words can't, even as I sit here, trying to explain this incredible haven, I find it impossible. I am the overweight father, eating at the dinner table. When I am alone or with my family, I unbutton my tight pants, so I can sit more comfortably. But when company comes, I button up my pants, aware at first of the pain of my overgrown gut within the small waistband, but eventually I grow numb. Once the company leaves, I become comfortable once more. That is the best way I can describe this place. Though I complain a little, I could never leave this place for good. It would hurt too much. It would create the greatest void in my life, and I wouldn't know what to do, where to begin or with what to fill it. I love this place almost as much as I love life. This is my camp. My haven for 13 months out of the last seven years.


Author's note: this was written on 7/25/98……..