Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit
Cincinnati, OH – 1933I open my eyes on my floor, camera in hand, the moment I left for 1933. I turn on my laptop, blank screen, just the title, “The Most Important Idea I Learned This Summer.”
I still need to write that paragraph, and now I have too many ideas: generosity, friendship, courage, determination. I decide on gratitude.
This summer, I learned to be grateful for what I have, and to make the best of it, not taking anything for granted, and doing what I can with my abilities. Don’t whine, but don’t settle. Be creative and don’t be afraid to try. You’ll be surprised what determination and a little ingenuity can accomplish.
I’m absorbed in writing until Mom comes in. Someone’s here to meet me. She opens the door, and in bounds the wiliest puppy I’ve ever seen, jumping into my lap and licking my face. My heart feels ready to burst. I thank Mom, but she says the dog is to thank me. She knew I wasn’t crazy about Camp Mosquito but went anyway and made the best of it, appreciating that.
I hug my puppy, glad for company when Mom’s at work. She smiles; he seems to know he belongs with me. What do I name him?
I think of Kit, who taught me generosity, hard work, and gratitude, and of Buddy, who kept me company on the adventure. The puppy wags his tail. I name him Buddy.