CK News & Stories

 

I was already nervous and scared of heights, but then I recognized the butte, and my heart fell. I didn’t think I could go through with it. I stood on the trail looking at the trees and found a tear rolling down my cheek. It was emotional for me to even be there. Just as I was about to tell the counselor that I couldn’t do it, a sun beam broke through the trees and a butterfly flew around me. I knew it was Kyle telling me it would be all right. I knew that I could gather the strength to go outside my comfort zone and do anything. A few hours later, on our final activity, I was very nervous about traveling high up and swinging from a giant rope. But then I thought of the butterfly and what Kyle would want me to do. From the top of trees I sat in the harness waiting to be dropped. Right then the butterfly came again and flew around me. I broke into tears again, but this time, they were tears of joy. I knew he was there with me, comforting me. I had no fear or anger or pain in that moment. I was not sad about his death or mad at him for leaving. I felt only love. I was released and started swinging, I have never felt so free. So much pain and sorrow that had been a part of me for so long, were taken away. That was when I first realized that I was going to make it through this, and I was going to be okay.

Through this amazing program, I can now take this experience and look at it in a new way. I don’t look at the life that was lost, but at the life that was lived, and I am so thankful for the time I had with Kyle. I was so inspired by this program that I decided to become a counselor and help other kids through their time of need. So much support and love was given to me and I hope that I can touch another child like the volunteers at Courageous Kids have touched mine.

I know that I am not alone throughout this, and no one should be. I am so grateful to everyone who has been there for me, and all the other Courageous Kids. I know that this is what Kyle would want me to do, and I am so proud to be a part of it.