Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Last week we had the opportunity to go rock climbing, indoors of course. My sister-in-law found a place in Ottawa that teaches it and has a full scale, every level rock climbing gym. Big Brother was all for  it. Sunday morning rolled around and it was time to hit the road. Little Brother went to hang out with his tota girl while my husband, Big Brother, sister-in-law and I went on our little adventure. Once we found the place we didn’t really know what to expect. At first I was a little worried about this place being legit. We walked down some concrete hallway to get to it and it was in the back of a shopping center. I was relieved when I saw the gym itself. It was really amazing with every single wall and even the ceiling transformed into rock climbing and boulder surfaces. We rented the equipment including these funny looking rock climbing shoes. After getting all the gear on, it was time to learn safety. Big Brother was the first to climb up and got about forty feet up the wall before he wanted to come down. He got scared and upset and I thought for sure he wouldn’t want to climb anymore. His dad was next to be ready and asked Big Brother if he’d want to climb with him. To my surprise Big Brother was up for it and this time he made it all the way to the top, which was close to ninety feet. When they came down Big Brother was so happy and proud of himself. He said, “I did it, I conquered my fear. I’m scared of heights but I don’t think I am anymore!” As a mother I want to shield him from his fears and protect him from facing such things. I might not say it but deep down it is me who makes sure the hallway light stays on at night for the boys because I don’t want them to get scared. Their rooms are furthest from my own room. I want them to feel to safe and be able to find their way safely, not stumble in the darkness. As I had imagined the night before, I could feel my heart stop when Big Brother started to make his way up that wall. I knew he had to be scared but I didn’t want it to show on me so it wouldn’t feed any doubt he may have had about being safe. I knew he was ok but I still had that panicky feeling in the pit of my stomach for him to feel like he was alone and stumbling. I was and am so proud of him for being brave and climbing that wall. I know his dad helped to give him courage that second time around because he was so quick and determined to make it up to the very top. He didn’t hesitate to try other walls after that and we wandered around the gym to different rooms trying out all the levels. Big Brother was happy and laughing about our failed attempts to climb the Super Expert Wall. It was fun and we left when he said he was hungry. After grabbing lunch in Ottawa we made our way home. Big Brother fell asleep not far from the city and I couldn’t help but look at this tired out boy fast asleep and admire him for his victory.