The Hazard Chronicles

 This week I want to do a highlight of Jackson. The words that first come to mind when I think of him are "confident" and "composed." There are two standout stories that I'll use here to demonstrate:

The first was a few weeks ago when our family was climbing. He jumped on a route that was near his limit, with a fairly runout section of slab climbing. As he led the climb he moved slowly, but confidently through the delicate moves. Even during moments when he was facing some long, scary falls, his movements were extremely deliberate and poised. When he finally clipped the chains at the top, any observer would have registered more relief on my face, as his belayer, than on his, who was actually facing the risk. It wasn't until he got down that he confided in me- "Hey Dad, that was really scary." 

Alright. On to the second story. But first, a lot of background to set the scene. Last week, Jackson "graduated" from cub scouts and moved onto boy scouts. As part of this, there was this ceremony thing they do where the boys walk away from their current leaders and friends, cross a bridge, and are welcomed into the new troop (Patrol? Pack? I really don't know) consisting, in this case of a bunch of older boys who they don't know, along with an unfamiliar cadre of adult leaders. Upon arrival, they are supposed to do some scouty salutes and handshakes and stuff that, to my understanding, are slight variations from the ones they usually do. All this is meant, not only to symbolize advancement, but to also instill within the boys a sense of reverence and achievement regarding the steps they are taking. For all the fanfare, one would think they were being sent out on an exploratory mission to Mars.

Anyway...

It appeared to be a very nerve-racking experience for most of the boys, at least for a brief moment. We watched as some of the other boys walked stiffly across the bridge, arms and eyes aimed carefully about two steps in front of their feet. There was much fumbling with the handshakes and welcome process before they were (finally) allowed to stand to the side, out of the limelight, and able to relax a little. Well, a few minutes before Jackson's turn to go, I saw him pull one of his leaders aside. They spoke briefly, and then his name was called. (Turns out he was making sure he knew what to do).

What I saw then was the same thing I had seen a few weeks earlier on that climb. Jackson, in striking contrast to most other boys, proudly bounced across the bridge with a full smile, arms up in celebration. He met the other troop and delivered the required salutes, I think, with more assurance that the kids who were receiving him. It was almost like he was saying to them- "Congratulation, you get to have me on your team!"

Was I surprised? Not at all. Was he nervous? Well, he had told me earlier that day that he was, and he usually doesn't just say things like that. But I'll tell you what- when his time actually came he looked like he owned that place.

According to Adalie, Jackson is one of the coolest kids in school. I can see it. At the same time, he is just Jack. Idiosyncratic, creative, extremely prone to melodrama, and just naive enough to be disarmingly charming. That's my Jack. Cool kid.

As for the rest of our family, we are enjoying our Summer. Here's just a couple photos of our week. 

We were part of another clean-up for a local crag. The kids are great helpers!

Lindsey planned a "Dad day." This is us getting ice cream after swimming at the beach.

We are looking forward to seeing all my siblings and their kids this next week at our annual reunion. The kids have each planned a dessert to share, and spirits are high.

Have a good week!