Crossing the Log

A few days ago, my daughter and I were roaming around in the woods behind our house. Eventually, we came to the wide creek that flows though the area. There was no way to cross the creek, other than wade though it or walk across a very long log that stretches over it. Since it was rather chilly, wading through it really wasn't an option. That left the log.

I looked at that thing. "I don't know about this," I said. "It looks pretty dangerous."

"I've done it before with my friends," my daughter said. "The first time it's really scary. But then you get used to it. Watch."

She slid down the muddy bank to where the log was wedged into the dirt. Then she climbed up on the log and very carefully made her way across the creek. It took a good five minutes. This was no narrow creek, and the log was elevated at least four feet above it.  "Your turn," she said when she was on the other side.

I sighed and made my way down the muddy bank.  I crawled up on the log and stood there. The sun on the water ripples was affecting my depth perception. "Uh, I'm not sure I can do this," I said.

"Just stare at the log at a spot a little ahead of you, and walk."

I tried, but then stopped.

"Mom, your knees are shaking."

"No, they're not," I said. They couldn't possibly be shaking. I'm not afraid of heights, and a stupid little log shouldn't bother me.

"You'd better turn around and try again," my daughter instructed."The best way is to do it all at once and not stop."

I frowned and turned around on that log - which was no easy task.

I tried again. And again, the ripples of the water messed with my vision. I couldn't focus on the darn log.

I turned around. This time, I was mad. There was no way a stupid log was going to get the best of me!

The third time, I plowed ahead. I really didn't care if I fell off the log and broke all my bones. And guess what? I did it. I walked all the way across that thing.

My daughter grinned. "Way to go, Mom! You're the only mom I know crazy enough to do that!"

Yeah. All it took was me getting mad!

(In case you're wondering, going back across was much easier. The light was behind me, so it was easier to see.)       





Today, as part of my book tour, my book, Ten Zany Birds, is being reviewed by Writer Granny's World. It is interesting to read the blogger's nine-year-old grandson's comments on it!