shoes to fill

My brother, Cam, wrote this last week. I want to share:

In Michael J. Fox's book, "Always Looking Up", he encourages his readers to immediately enjoy moments when our children desire our attention. Do not say "wait a few minutes, I'll be back". By then the polish will have worn off of their excitement.

In November, maybe around Thanksgiving, Cameron was keyed up about a new pair of hiking boots he'd purchased. I stopped what I was doing to listen to him explain how light, waterproof and supportive they were. He said, "Try 'em on Dad". I did. They fit perfectly and were just as he'd described. Nice boots, buddy.

No way of knowing this would be his last pair of shoes. On our recent Troop hikes in the Colorado Rockies, those were the boots I wore. Over rocks, through water and snow. Up the mountains he loved. And I thought; "Wow, Cameron, these are perfect". I felt connected to Cameron. Thanks, son.

I rested on a rock overlooking a beautiful, icy lake at 10,000 feet, surrounded by majestic, snow covered mountains. I'd stepped into the lake and soaked one boot, so I took off the boots to dry and reflected. As tears rolled down my cheeks, I told some scouts and leaders how much it meant to me to have taken the time to listen to Cameron that day and to try on his boots.

So I pass along this story, my friends, hoping that you may apply it in your life; to stop and listen to your loved ones as you can. Absorb their excitement; their interests, their love. Little is as important. It's worth it.

-Cam Finley

Linkingup with Beki at the Rusted Chain. Fits the theme....