I used to read the story to Paige when she was little. It was from a series of books about these little animal friends that attended a camp every summer together. It was my favorite story and it was about the time the friends were trying to learn to be brave enough to jump off the dock and swim to Splash Island not far away. On the island was a very special tree, with a big rope swing that the campers could swing off of and make a big splash! It was the highlight of Splash Island. All of the friends excitedly lined up on the dock except Bartholomew. He was not one bit excited about swimming all the way to Splash Island.
One by one the friends jumped in the water and made their way to the island. Bartholomew just watched and dreaded that his turn would soon come up. Bartholomew could swim pretty well, but it just seemed like such a long way to the island. He was afraid that it was too far and he wouldn’t make it.
The last camper made it safely to the island and it was Bartholomew’s turn. The instructor tells him what he to do and Bartholomew tries to swallow the big lump in his throat. The instructor assures Bartholomew that he will be right there with him and that he does not have to be afraid. Bartholomew sees his friends on the island and they are calling to him to hurry up. They seem to be having such a good time. Bartholomew holds his nose and jumps in.
The water feels good and Bartholomew enjoys it at first, but stroke after stroke seems to still leave him so far away from the island. Bartholomew swims a few more strokes and still doesn’t seem any closer. He becomes worried and thinks about turning back and giving up….he can try for Splash Island next year…..yes, that is what he will do, he will turn around and go back to the dock, Splash Island will have to be enjoyed by his friends, without him,……but wait……he hears something…….”Bartholomew, you can DO it, come on, you can DO it, Bartholomew, keep going, you are almost there, come on, Bartholomew, you CAN DO IT!” Bartholomew decides to try one more time and with those voices still cheering he looks up and realizes that he has made it to Splash Island!
I just loved reading that story! What an amazing thing it is to have someone cheer you on, right when you were about to give up. I think about the dock I might be sitting on right now if it weren’t for the cheers of some special friends. It is amazing to me that just a few encouraing words can be the difference between jumping in that cool water or sitting on the rough, hard dock for weeks.
I love how the story ended. Bartholomew makes it to the island and gets to do what all the campers look forward to doing……he swings off the big tire from the big tree on Splash Island and makes the biggest, most Stupdendous Splash ever!
I want to look around and encourage someone today and then watch the splash!
