Kerry and I were alone in the cabin that drowsy July afternoon. It was a Wednesday, the day in the week-long summer camp when you realize, crap, it feels like we've been here forever and yet I just arrived, and I've got to go home soon. I don't want this to end. I lay on my stomach on the top bunk, one hand propping up my chin, reading a book. She was working with charm bracelet floss, deft fingers knotting the strands as she sat cross-legged on the bottom bunk across the room, when she stopped and stared out the window toward the lake. The trees below blocked our view of everything leading to the water, including the water itself, but through it we could hear a group of other campers laughing and singing while someone who'd gotten hold of a set of bongo drums kept up a heady beat.
"You know what I like about this place most?" She set down the floss, stood up from the bed, and spread her arms wide. "It's that even if I never come back here, even if I never see these people again, I know that there is somewhere that I belong." Her grin was audible. "These are my people."
I shoved a scrap of paper in the book and closed it. I'd only just met Kerry a few days before, but our friendship had been instant, as if we'd known each other our entire lives. "Yeah," I said, that same joy surging through me. "Me, too."
It's been no-I-won't-say-how-many years since that camp. Time has passed, and friendships slip away, but one thing sticks with me: that feeling. It's a pretty awesome thing to have. To know that you have kindred spirits, others like you, a group of people who completely understand.
That's one of the things I love about the writing community. Because what Kerry said about belonging, that's exactly how I feel here. And I hope you do, too.
So, how goes it, March Wipsters? We're at Day 17 now. Where are you at?
Personally, I spent most of the weekend *not* thinking about my projects and just catching up on sleep. It's what I needed, and where I felt I had to be, and I'm glad I did so. I have a lot of work ahead of me now, but I'm ready for it. How about you? I can't wait to hear about it!
See you tomorrow at Shari's blog!
(Psst... Not part of the March Madness crew? It's still not too late to sign up!)
