Mt. Everest

Over the weekend, we had some new playground equipment put up.  There is a digging chair (with a little backhoe attachement in a sandpit), a climbing wall, and one of those things with a wheel that the kids spin while standing on by running on it Flintstones-style.

The kids got to play on them for the first time today.  They were so excited!  Being good at climbing, I stationed myself at the wall so I could help those that were guaranteed to get stuck at the top.  I helped several kids to climb over the top and down the other side.  Most were fine climbing, but there were a few that wanted to master their fear of heights, and a few others that didn't know they were afraid of heights til they were at the top.

One set of two little girls conquered their fears, and I was very proud of them.  They did need a bit of encouragement, however.  One mastered the wall on her second attempt, the other on her third.  The first attempt was the best.

They prepared to climb at the bottom with no racing, letting all around know that they were taking their time.  Both climbed up just fine.  At the top, however, looking down the other side was a tall order.  Our paraeducator was at the bottom urging them on.  I was at the top attempting to talk them over.  Their classmates are scattered around beneath yelling up encouragement (along with the occasional "Do a flip!"). 

They're at the top with everyone cheering them on.  They're not quite high enough to get over the bar, but also unwilling to go any higher.  Neither wants to give up.  So they look back at each other and each girl attempts to support the other girl while they climb over first.  As expected, this is getting nowhere in a hurry.

Finally, one girl looks at the other.  "That's high, isn't it?'

"Yup."

A long glance down for both of them.

"Next time, we SO got this."

"Absolutely."

And then they climbed down.  And immediately got back in line and tried again.  And again, until they got over the top.  And then they kept going.  And that's how you face a fear.

Not as funny as usual, but still very worth reading.  Take a lesson from the girls.  Never give up, and never be afraid to try new things.