Do you remember the wild freedom of running barefoot and climbing trees during your childhood summers? If you grew up in the city, you probably missed out on such simple joys. Activities like basketball or dodgeball probably took the place of climbing trees in naked feet. There’s something special, though, about hoisting yourself into the embrace of a tree, the rough bark unyielding underfoot.
I was down by the garden one lazy Saturday afternoon, when I thrilled to see these boys enjoying themselves in the branches of a perfect climbing tree. Their lively chatter and laughter confirmed that they were enjoying themselves as much as I did during my long-ago summer climbs. Noted, too, were their requisite bare-feet dangling high above the earth below.
Some of these boys come from seriously troubled backgrounds. One of them was the youngest member of a child-headed household for a few years before he came to live with us. He can recall nights of being fearful for his safety and days of wondering if he would have food for his next meal. When he and his brother and sisters arrived at The Hope Center, they were like little adults. They didn’t understand the concept of play time; with all the responsibility they shouldered, they never had time to play before. Gradually, they have begun reclaiming their childhoods, and it was a triumphant moment to see the youngest brother up a tree as giddy and carefree as the other boys.
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