Just a few long minutes ago, my fellow campers and I realized that one of our friends had somehow disappeared into the night. Horrifying scenarios reeled through our head; maybe the murky river swallowed her, or she stumbled upon a humpback root in the nothingness that surrounded the camp. Pushing all the depressed thoughts into the back of my struggling mind, I attempted to grasp the memories created with her in the years past.
The rain poured out of the Big Dipper that night, conforming to the darkened sky. Slurping mud provided difficulties for our aching feet as we stumbled down the weathered trail. Evergreen trees touched their toes and power lines practiced double-dutch as the wind attempted to join in the fun.
We reached The Lodge just as sheets of rain shook themselves onto the bed of nature. Stepping inside, the chocolate-like substance, caked generously on our array of flip-flops and tennis shoes, contrasted with the whiteness of the linoleum floors. Entering the line in front of me, a fireball of happiness peeped her head out of the kitchen�s swinging doors. Startled slightly, but realizing that a fellow camper was chatting with this redhead, I stuck around, determined to make a new friend.
Too short to reach the bottom branch of a pinewood tree, but too tall to be a jockey, she could easily be a comfortable standing armrest for my tired arms. Her hair was as bright as her personality; it blazed with the same passion that she had for Jesus Christ. Freckles dotted her face, stretching wide whenever she displayed a popular smile. Healthy and sound, she did not conform to the views and opinions of dogmatic teenagers; she loved herself for who she was, inside and out.
My friend introduced me to her, stating that her name was Jess Bervik. With a happy startle, I joyously announced that we shared the same name. After finding humor in the situation, I proceeded to dishing up my food. As I left the safe realm of The Lodge, I smiled wide and waved to her as she struggled to keep up with the incoming dirty dishes. Little did I know that that one smile would have such an impact on her.
Sadly, camp ended very quickly. I packed up the many memories I had acquired and said my goodbyes to the few friends I created. Peering into the kitchen, I spotted a bob of red, and raced towards her. She turned around, opened up her accepting arms, and presented me with a hug that I will always treasure. Stepping into her arms, all the emotions in the world seemed to connect us through tedious strings. With a final goodbye, I ambled to my waiting chauffeur with a great memory tucked inside.
On the journey homeward, I reached into my backpack expecting to pull out my book, but to my surprise, my hand encircled a square of paper. Inscribed on the crumpled piece was the address and phone number belonging to Jess Bervik. A smile crept secretly onto my face and into my mind.
Her outgoing actions sparked a great friendship. The phone calls we exchanged lasted for hours upon hours, filled with giggles, tears, and advice. The bubbly happiness escaped her heart constantly, and floated around our many memories. Never once did I hear her cry for herself; the tears she shed fell because she perceived the pain I felt. Even though we couldn�t see each other, Jess had a way of flowing her feelings through her peppy � yet soothing � voice.
God was a constant aspect in our life, and He helped us keep our friendship strong.
Camp rolled around once again, and I trembled with happiness, as I knew that I would experience Jess�s love once again. Arriving, I stepped into the Lodge and was immediately ambushed. Arms enclosed me and love entered my heart as I returned the loving embrace. My face could not mask the happiness glistening in my eyes.
That afternoon, I felt the need to talk to Jess deeply about my life and my struggling walk with God. The dock on the river provided a calm serenity as the sun beamed from the vast blueness. Tears streamed down my face as the furies in my heart escaped their cages. Her consoling arm rested lightly upon my shoulders as she patiently listened to secret tribulations I had not presented to any other breathing soul.
Her softened hands reached out to me and interlaced with mine. Squeezing tight for support, we bowed our tired, heavy heads and she volunteered lifting up my problems to God. Ending with an Amen, we arose stiffly and drifted over to the glowing Tabernacle. Making our way to the back, we harmonized our voices to the worship song produced by the worship team.
The aged screen door creaked, and brought me back to the present, cracking the silence and muffled sobs. In sauntered the lost sheep of the herd, followed by the counselors. There was a mad scramble as every breathing soul vaulted out of their bunk bed and surrounded her with welcoming arms. I slunk under the covers, hiding the tears that escaped from my eyes. She didn�t know I was furious with her. Furious that she caused so much pain, so much worry, so much anxiety. Through the thick sleeping bag, I could hear the counselors instruct the cabin to go to bed. Suddenly, I felt warmth through the fabric as a hand placed itself upon my shaking back. Removing the covers from my head, I turned and looked into the eyes of my best friend. They held sorrow, apology, and fear. Grasping my hand, she apologized for every single despairing feeling that she caused my heart to feel. Accepting her apology, we broke apart and entered our own world of dreams.
Later on, I had found out that she had been discovered behind the Rock, doing what she does best � consoling a fellow friend. Her friend had been having troubles, just like me, and needed a shoulder to cry on. That is why I love her so much. She gives up her time, her life, to help others in their time of need. Never failing to be there, she is a friend to everyone and everything. A friend to me.