Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 18:45:19 -0400
From: Scribe 1971 <scribe1971@hotmail.com>
Subject: Substitute Dad Chapter 19

Substitute Dad
By Scribe 1971

Welcome back constant readers!  Here we go - the big journey begins!  This
chapter launches a new phase of the story - Tommy and Josh depart on their
life-changing cross country journey.    Thank-you for reading and enjoying
the story this far and I hope you have fun joining the boys on their massive
excursion.  This phase of the story, while still fiction will be inspired by
a real trip that I actually took with one of my younger brothers a few years
back.  It was the experience of a lifetime for both of us.  The people that
Josh and Tommy meet will help to shape their future and lead them down the
path to their ultimate destiny.

Scribe's Play List for Chapter 19:

"My Native Son" by Bryan Adams
"Life Is A Highway" by Tom Cochrane
"Truly Madly Deeply" By Savage Garden (The line "I want to stand with you on
a mountain" is particularly appropriate to this chapter)
"The World I Know" by Collectve Soul
"Superman" by Five For Fighting

Copyright 2006 - this chapter is copyright 2006 by the author.  Please do
not repost or redistribute it without my express written permission.

Chapter 19 -- Back Where it All Began

Josh and I began packing for the trip on the Wednesday before our departure
date.  We prepared and inventoried all of the equipment and supplies and
went to make some last minute purchases.  I picked up a 30-liter gas can
from Canadian Tire and filled it with gas to use as an emergency fuel
reserve.  I also picked up two cases of bottled water, each containing
35-500ml bottles.  We also stocked up on dried fruit, beef jerky and other
preserved food.  Finally, we went to the local surplus store and purchased 2
cases (10 in each) of Canadian Forces combat rations called IMPs or
Individual Meal Packs.  The food and the water were intended to be emergency
stocks in case we got stranded anywhere or we needed something quick to eat
in a pinch.

We packed with the knowledge that during most of the trip, we would be in
easy reach of stores and emergency assistance, but we also made a point to
plan and prepare for those occasions when we'd be pretty well cut off.

In addition to food and water supplies, we stopped at the Chrysler
dealership and purchased spare fan belts and other parts for the Jeep which
we could change out on the road in the case of an emergency.  I also
purchased a fairly complete tool set, a power inverter and 600 Watt power
pack which could be used to boost the Jeep when necessary or to provide
power for small appliances.

We considered the potential gaps in cell phone coverage so we invested in a
pair of FRS radios and a 4 watt portable CB Radio.  We also picked up an
external antenna and car adapter for the CB.  In addition to our cell
phones, we would each keep an FRS radio with us and we could use the CB to
get help if we needed it.

By the time all the gear was assembled, I was glad that I had decided to
purchase a larger vehicle.  In fact, there was so much gear that we went
back to Canadian Tire and bought a roof-top cargo carrier which we mounted
on the Jeep's roof rack.

With all the gear and supplies prepared, we turned our attention to our
personal stuff.  We decided to carry a week's worth of clothing with plenty
of extra socks and underwear.  We packed a variety of warm weather and cool
weather clothes and footwear.  We packed plenty of personal care items such
as deodorant, toothpaste, and medication.  Josh and I both suffered from
seasonal allergies so we loaded up on allergy medications and I ensured that
I had plenty of headache medication, including the prescription Imitrex.  I
packed my laptop and PDA while Josh packed his Gameboy and collection of
games.  We packed our cameras, my new digital camera and video camera and we
loaded up on batteries, memory cards, film and 8mm video tapes.

It was while I was packing my personal things that I realized we had to make
a couple more purchases.  I packed my good leather shoes and my dark suit
for the trip to Rideau hall and I realized that Josh didn't own a suit.  He
had some nice slacks and shirts but I thought he'd want to be dressed up in
a nice suit to receive his medal.
"Hey Josh," I said as I went upstairs to his bedroom.

"Hi Dad, I'm almost done packing."  He replied.

"Josh, what are you going to wear to Rideau Hall?"

"Oh shit, I forgot about that!  I guess I'll wear what I wore to my father's
funeral."

"Why don't we get you a suit and some nice shoes?  That's what I'm going to
wear."

"Cool!  I've never had a suit before.  I want a dark one like yours."

As soon as Josh finished preparing his other gear, we headed off to the
local Moore's to select a suit and have Josh fitted.  I hoped that it would
be ready for pickup by that Friday before we left.  The plan was also to get
him a nice pair of leather shoes.

The people at Moore's were extremely helpful and assured me that the suit
would be ready for pickup by no later than Friday afternoon.  They measured
Josh and had him try on a couple before we decided on a nice single-breasted
suit that very closely resembled the one that I was going to wear.  The
salesman assured me that the suit would be altered in such a way that it
could easily be let out in the future to keep pace with Josh's rapid growth.
  I was amazed when he started trying on shoes and I discovered that at only
13, he was already wearing a size 12 shoe!  His feet were as big as mine and
he was still growing.

"Josh, have you ever considered taking up water skiing?"  I asked with a sly
grin.

He frowned at me for a second not quite catching my drift and then broke
into a broad smile when he figured out what I meant.  "Dweeb," he said and
smiled lovingly at me.

With Josh's suit purchased, we were finally ready to go.  The final few days
of waiting really seemed to drag along.  I spent the next day-and-a-half
playing golf with Andy, visiting with my mother and with James, Anne and the
twins.  Josh, much to his chagrin, spent the time finishing his school year.

That Friday afternoon, I picked Josh up at school.  Being the last day, he
had to clean out his locker and had a lot of stuff to bring home.  As I
pulled up, he bounded out to the Jeep and climbed in.  He wore a massive
grin and after giving me my usual greeting, consisting of a big hug and a
peck on the forehead, he showed me what he was grinning about.  It was his
report card.

I unfolded the sheet of paper and read it over.  Not surprisingly, Josh had
scored straight `As'  "Way to go buddy, I'm so proud of you," I said warmly
and ruffled his hair.

"Mom's going to be amazed -- I never did that well before -- I always had a
few Bs and Cs."
"I'm not surprised; I've known how smart you are for a long time."

Before heading home, we stopped by Moore's and picked up Josh's new suit.
He went into the dressing room to try it on and when he came out, I was
struck by just how handsome he was.  He looked like a million dollars.  He
was getting taller and filling out quite nicely and the suit fit him like a
glove.  He was going to be a real lady killer.

"How do I look?"  He asked as he did a little twirl in front of me.

"You look like you're going to have to beat the girls off you with a stick!"
  I replied with a laugh causing Josh to blush slightly.

Josh changed back into his street clothes and we left the store.  We drove
home and jumped right into the task of loading the Jeep.  We were very
methodical in the way we loaded and placed the gear.  We made sure that
anything valuable or requiring security (such as the rifles) was stored
inside the Jeep while less important items were loaded into the roof-top
carrier.  We also paid attention to the "first in, last out" rule of packing
and made sure that the stuff we would need most often was most accessible.
After a little more than an hour, the Jeep was loaded.  All that we had left
to do was for the two of us to get in and drive away.

When Susan came home from work that night, she was indeed thrilled with
Josh's report card.  She was so happy that she treated us both to dinner at
the Mandarin that night.  It was a good time and it gave Josh some time with
his mom before we left.  I hoped that she was going to make it to Rideau
Hall on the 15th for the medal presentation but it was still up in the air.
I knew Josh would be very disappointed if she missed it.

We planned to leave at about 10:00 AM the next morning and our route would
take us north and then west.  We were going to take the North of Superior
route out of Ontario and onto the prairies.  The first few days of driving
would be the hardest with more than 23 hours required just to reach the
Manitoba border.  The plan was to make an easy start of it.  Our destination
for the first day was only a few hours from home, but it was a very
significant destination for Josh and me.  We were going back to the place
where it all started for us.  We were going back to Tonawonka.

That night, after watching a couple of movies, Josh and I snuggled up
together in my bed and spent our last night at home for the next two months.
  We would be on the road for about 70 days.

The next morning, I woke up before the alarm clock.  Josh was lying on his
belly, still out like a light, and I was snuggled up against him.  I knew we
had to be up soon anyway, so I decided to give him the kind of wakeup he
often gave me.  I rolled over and began to deeply massage his neck,
shoulders and back.  It didn't take him long to begin to stir.  He sighed
contentedly and then turned his head to look at me.

"Morning Dad, this feels wonderful," He said in a sleepy voice.

"Good morning son," I replied and continued my massage.  "You do this for me
all the time so I thought I'd return the favour."  I kept up my massage for
about 10 minutes and Josh was literally putty in my hands.  When I was done,
he rolled over and hugged me tightly.

"Make a muscle for me," I told him.  I had begun to notice that both of us
had started to build up some really good muscle mass.  Our workouts had
really been accomplishing a lot.

Josh smiled sweetly and flexed his arm for me.  Sure enough, his bicep was
really solid.  "I hope my arms get as big as yours," Josh said.

"They'll get bigger, Josh.  Believe me, in a couple of years or so, you'll
be bigger and stronger than me."

"I'll still call you Dad, though."  Josh said and hugged me again.

Finally, the need to empty our bladders got the two of us moving.  We both
raced to the bathroom to do our morning duty and then took turns in the
shower.  After our showers, we did as we often did in the morning, and stood
together at the sink and shaved.  Josh still didn't really need to shave,
although he did have a noticeable shadow on his upper lip, he still liked to
shave with me.  It was a bit of dad and son time that we shared.

With our morning ablutions taken care of, we dressed for the day and
prepared to embark on our journey.  We met Susan upstairs in the kitchen and
she had prepared a big breakfast for us.

"Good morning guys," she said with a smile as we entered the kitchen.  "All
set for the big trip?"

"I've been looking forward to this since February," Josh said.

"So have I.  We're all set, the Jeep's packed and we're ready to roll."

"I know I don't have to tell you this, but be careful.  Have a great time
and call me often.  Josh, you listen to what Tommy tells you and be good."

"AW MOM!" Josh said in feigned outrage.  "I'm always good!" he continued
with a grin.

Susan placed heaping plates of eggs, sausage, hash browns, and toast in
front of both of us and added a large glass of orange juice and a cup of
coffee to the mix.  We all dug in with gusto.  Josh and I had a long drive
ahead of us; in fact we had a long drive ahead of us on most of the next 70
days.  There were some places where we intended to stay for a couple of
days, but on the whole, we were going to average about 400km of driving per
day.

"Tom, you'll need these," Susan said as she handed me Josh's health card and
a folded document.  "The piece of paper is an authorization for you to ok
any and all medical treatment for Josh should he require any."

"Thanks Susan, I strongly doubt that we'll need that, but it's good to be
prepared."

We finished our breakfast, loaded the last few things into the Jeep and then
it was time to hit the road.  Andy was expecting us at Camp Tonawonka
somewhere between 1:00 and 2:00 PM which meant that we had to hit the road
by 10:00 AM.

We headed out to the Jeep and Susan followed us.  She hugged Josh and kissed
him on the forehead.  "I'm going to try really hard to make it to Ottawa to
see you get your medal," she told him.

"Please be there mom, it won't be the same if you aren't."

Susan then came over to me.  "I was going to ask you to take good care of my
boy, but I think it's obvious that he's as much your boy as he is mine.  You
guys take care of each other and have a wonderful time," Susan said before
hugging me briefly.

"Thanks Susan.  We'll look after each other and we will call you often.
Please try to make it to Ottawa on the 15th.  It will mean to world to Josh
to have you there."

It was finally time to leave.  Josh and I piled into the Jeep; Josh started
up the GPS and pulled up our planned route as I started the engine and
backed out of the driveway.  With a wave and a honk of the horn, we were
off.

We both slipped our cell phones into the centre console and hooked up the
car chargers to keep them fully charged.  Josh made sure that the 12 volt
cooler was hooked up, turned on and stocked with snacks and drinks and we
headed out to the highway and the open road.

"Pinch me," Josh said as we merged onto Highway 401 heading east towards
Highway 400.

"Pinch you?  Why?"  I asked.

"Because I want to make sure this is real, that we're really doing this.
Are we really going to be on the road, exploring the whole country together
for the next 70 days?"

"We sure are!  For the next 10 weeks, it's just you and me son."  I reached
over and gave his shoulder a squeeze.  "This is something I've always wanted
to do and I can't think of anyone that I'd rather share it with than you,
Josh.  I really, really love you."

"I know Dad.  I really, really love you too.  It's going to be so cool to
see Camp Tonawonka again.  That's where all this started.  If I hadn't gone
to camp, I never would have met you.  You were the first person who ever
paid much attention to me and gave me a chance to just be me.  I used to
really act up at camp until I met you because it was the only way that I
knew to get people to notice me."

"Joshy, I can't really explain it, but somehow I knew you were special the
first moment we met.  It took us a couple of weeks to get comfortable with
each other but, once it took, we really did become inseparable.  I thought
we were close then, but look at us now."

As the scenery flew by and we left the hustle and bustle of Toronto behind
us, we listened to a selection of CDs from the large collection we had
brought with us, and Josh began recording the trip with the video camera and
the digital still camera.  It was only just after 11:00 when we started
seeing signs for Weber's and we decided to stop.  Despite just having eaten
a large breakfast less than 2 hours ago, Josh was already hungry.  I had
told him how good Weber's burgers were and he just had to try, in his words,
`a couple'.

We pulled into the Weber's parking lot and there was already a lineup
stretching out the door.  It was moving pretty quickly and we were a bit
ahead of schedule so we decided to wait it out.  As we were waiting, Josh
actually took the video camera and starting doing spot interviews with
strangers in the lineup.  I was really amazed.  He truly was a different boy
from the lonely little guy I had first met exactly 2 years earlier.  He was
a happy, well adjusted and confident teenager ready to take on the world.

I watched him work the crowd and smiled.  He was charming the hell out of
everyone he met.  He wasn't the least bit shy about going up to complete
strangers and getting them to talk on camera.  People really seemed taken
with him, it was as if they could instinctively sense what a wonderful
person he was.  I just about laughed out loud as Josh interviewed a couple
near the front of the line who had a daughter who looked to be about 12 or
13.  Just out of Josh's line of sight, the girl was seriously checking him
out.  The look on her face made me think she was on the verge of tearing his
clothes off and having her way with him right there in the line.  I made a
mental note to tease him about it later!

Within half an hour, we made it through the line and got our burgers.  That
time, at least, Josh escaped without being ravaged by a young girl with
runaway hormones.  We climbed back in the Jeep with a bag of aromatic
Weber's burgers grilled to perfection with large, frosty Cokes to chase them
down.  Josh unwrapped his first burger and stretched his mouth around it.

"MMMMMMMM this is really good," He enthused.

"I know, I love their burgers.  I would have stopped there on the way to the
lake when we took the twins fishing, but I didn't figure they could hold out
that long."

"Oh man, you better eat yours before I get my hands on it," Josh laughed as
he made the last bite of his first burger disappear.  The second didn't last
that much longer and then he attacked the fries.  I wasn't all that hungry
so I ended up giving him my fries and my second burger.  I did manage to eat
the first burger and drink my Coke myself.
"Did you see that girl checking you out while you were interviewing her
parents?" I asked Josh in a sly tone.  "She looked like she wanted to rip
your clothes off and jump your bones!"

Josh turned crimson.  "The one near the front of the line?"  He asked.

"That's her!  She was standing behind you and looking you up and down.  I
swear she was drooling," I said with a snicker.

"She was pretty cute!  I don't think her parents would have thought much of
me running off to the bathroom or the bushes to deflower their daughter,"
Josh replied with his famous mischievous grin and then we both burst out
laughing.

"Seriously, though, I don't think I'm ready for anything like that.  I might
think about her next time I jerk off though," Josh said in mock seriousness
sending us both into another fit of laughter.

The drive was going exceedingly well.  Josh and I were having a great time
just talking, cutting up and bantering back and forth.  Traffic was light
that morning but we encountered a lot of school buses which must have been
delivering kids to the various summer camps spread throughout the Muskokas.
Camp Tonawonka's campers arrived earlier that morning and were pretty much
settled in by the time Josh and I rolled in.

`Bitchin Betty', our name for the GPS's female voice announced our arrival
at the camp as we drove through the front gate.  I hadn't been there in
almost two years, but it looked exactly as I remembered it.  We followed the
driveway well back into the bush until we reached a fork in the road.  We
veered to the right and a moment later pulled up outside the camp office and
parked the Jeep.

"Here we are kiddo," I said to Josh as we climbed out and stretched our
legs.

"It's funny being back here," Josh said.  "I spent five years here as a
camper.  This is the first summer since I was eight years old that I haven't
spent the summer here."

"Andy could probably arrange for you to stay if you want to," I said and
winked at him.

"Not in this lifetime," Josh retorted.  "I'm going wherever you go!"

Just then Andy walked out of the camp office and greeted us.  "Hey guys,
welcome back to Tonawonka," he said warmly as he embraced each of us.

"Hi bro," I replied.

"Hey Andy," Josh said happily.

"How's the first day going?"  I asked.

"Not bad.  We've got everyone settled in and most of the kids are with their
counselors getting settled in.  There's mostly light activities scheduled
for the rest of the afternoon and then we have a special dinner and camp
fire tonight."

"Sounds like a blast.  Do you mind if we spend the afternoon exploring a
bit?" I asked.  Andy was now the assistant director of the camp.  Rachel
MacDonald was now the director.

"No problem.  Rachel's inside.  She's been looking forward to seeing you
again," Andy replied.  "Even you, Josh!"  He said with a wink.  Josh for a
number of years, had literally been the bane of her existence because of his
hijinks.

"I'm sure she'll like me a lot more now," Josh said with a laugh.

The three of us walked into the office and were immediately met by Rachel.
Rachel had been the assistant director during the summer when I worked at
Tonawonka.  She was a nice woman and the kids liked her.  She was one of the
few people who didn't think I was out of my mind when I asserted that Josh
really was a good kid.

"TOMMY," Rachel shouted as she ran up to me, gave me a huge hug and kissed
my cheek.  "It's so good to see you.  You look fantastic."  Next she turned
her attention to Josh.  "My God, look at you!  You've grown so much and
you've become a certifiable hottie!"  She crowed as she gave Josh the same
treatment.

Poor Josh turned fire-engine red causing Andy and me to laugh like a pair of
loons and earning us one of Josh's patented mock-angry looks.  "I'm glad to
see you too Rachel," he finally managed to reply.

"Andy has told me all about you guys and what you're doing this summer.
It's so wonderful to see you together.  You guys were practically joined
together at the hip."

We spent a few minutes visiting with Rachel and reminiscing about my one
summer as a Tonawonka counselor.  I was amazed at how much Andy had told her
about what had gone one over the past few months.  She knew all about my
medical emergency and she knew all about the shooting.

"You guys can explore all you want this afternoon but make sure that you're
in the dining hall for dinner.  We have something special planned for the
first night and we have a big campfire this evening.  You guys can bunk in
your old cabin.  Paul's the counselor there now and some of your boys are
there.  They'd all love to see you."

Paul had been my junior counselor.  He was 16 then and a really great guy.
We got along famously and I was thrilled to see him again.  I was also
looking forward to seeing some of my boys again.

Josh and I left Andy and Rachel and headed towards cabin 8.  We both
remembered exactly where it was and as we approached, we saw that it was
virtually the same as it had been the last time either of us had seen it.

I opened the door and stepped in with Josh close behind me.  "Well, this
used to be the home of Tommy's terrors," I said loudly.  "I wonder whose
here now?"  In an instant, the cabin fell silent.

"Tommy?"  Paul said as he stuck his head out of the counselor's room at the
far end of the cabin.  At the same time, three of the boys jumped to their
feet.

"TOMMY!" one of them shouted and ran to me.  The other two followed in short
order.

In a scene reminiscent of Josh's and my reunion, I found myself on the floor
under a pile of teenage boys, all of whom were trying to hug me at the same
time.  It didn't take me long to recognize Ricky, George and Gary.  It had
been two years, but I still recognized all three of them.  All three boys
had been 11 years old last time I saw them and were now strapping 13 year
olds.

Paul started lifting boys off me and helped me to my feet.  "Tommy, how the
hell are you?"  He asked as he vigorously shook my hand.  He looked at Josh
and I saw instant recognition.  "I don't believe it!  Josh!  Don't tell me
you're hanging around with this character?"  He laughed and shook Josh's
hand.

"You bet I am!  We're driving across the country together.  All summer
long."

"That's so cool," Gary piped in.  Josh, Gary, George, and Ricky all
exchanged greetings.

"You mean you guys aren't staying?"  Ricky asked.

"No, we're just here for one night.  We're going to bunk with you guys
tonight and then tomorrow, we're on our way."

Paul put his arm around my shoulders and addressed his campers, most of whom
had no idea as to who Josh or I were.  "Listen up guys, this is the legend
himself.  This is the guy that all the campers wanted to have as their
counselor and all the other counselors tried to measure up to!"

It was my turn to blush.  "Piling it on a little thick aren't we?"  I asked

"Not at all.  They almost had to start putting anti-depressants in the water
when the kids realized you weren't coming back last year.  I just hope that
I'm half the counselor that you were."

I smiled and shook Paul's hand again.  Josh and I spent the next hour
meeting the new kids and talking to the three that we knew.  It was funny
being back in my old cabin with my former JC and half of my boys.  It was
like a homecoming.

As I talked with Paul and Jason, Paul's junior counselor, Josh got the video
camera out again and went about interviewing the other kids.  In minutes, he
rekindled his friendship with Ricky, Gary, and George and made fast friends
with the others.  I watched my boy out of the corner of my eye and once
again marveled how quickly he put people at ease and got them to like him.

Before long, he was showing them some of the earlier clips on the camera's
small display screen, including a clip of the girl who had her eyes on him.
I couldn't hear what he was saying but at least a couple of the other boys
exclaimed, "lucky bastard!"

It was time for Paul to take his boys down to the lake and hit the canoes.
As much as Josh and I wanted to join them, we had other things to do.
`Mount Tonawonka' waited.  Mount Tonawonka was not a real mountain.  Rather,
it was a very large, very steep hill.  At the top, was an overnight campsite
that was used by groups of campers every so often.  I used to take my boys
up there ever couple of weeks to sleep under the stars and to watch the
night sky with binoculars and a telescope.  They always loved it.  It was
during the first trip up the mountain that Josh fell and twisted his ankle.

I carried him all the way down the mountain, got him taken care of, and then
the two of us camped out together in the cabin and bonded.  It was a pivotal
moment in our relationship and we intended to take a trip down memory lane
again by visiting the top of Mount Tonawonka.

"Well Josh, ready to make the climb?"  I asked.

"Damn right!"  Josh replied with a smile as we walked back to the Jeep to
grab a small backpack with some cold drinks and snacks.  It wouldn't take us
long to make the climb but it could be tiring.  We also had to take our time
so that I didn't inflame my bad leg.  Josh had the video camera with him and
I had the digital camera.

We began the climb, each lost in our own thoughts.  The first time we
ascended this hill, we were counselor and camper.  We had a cordial but
distant relationship.  When we came down, we were on our way to becoming
friends.  This time, we were returning to the scene of the start of our
bonding as dad and son.

"This isn't quite as high as I remember it," Josh said as we reached the
top.

"It's just as high as it always was, but you're bigger now," I said.

We walked to the edge that overlooked the camp.  It was a spectacular view.
The entire camp lay at our feet.  We could see all the way from the road to
the lake and we could see the roofs of all the cabins, the office, and the
dining hall.  The paths and dirt roads crisscrossed the camp like a spider
web.  We stood together, each with an arm around the other's shoulders and
looked down upon the world below.

Josh was filming the view and I took a number of still photos.  Behind us,
was a clearing that covered most of the summit.  In the center was a well
used fire circle.  Campers had been trooping up here for generations.  The
place had a feeling of history about it.  It was this fire circle that led
to Josh's accident.  He had been running around and he tripped over one of
the rocks that circled the fire pit.  He had gone down hard, twisted his
ankle, and scraped his knees in the process.

Josh and I walked over to the fire circle and sat next to each other on a
large rock.  I put my arm around him and pulled him into me.  He snuggled up
and we sat there silently for a few minutes.

"It's hard to believe how far we've come since that summer, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I figured it was just going to be another summer.  I had no idea that
I was going to meet my dad at camp."

"It's amazing how fate or chance or even divine intervention can change our
lives in an instant," I said thoughtfully.

"I really think you're right.  I really think there was some reason behind
us finding each other.  I think it's more than just filling a hole in each
other's lives.  I think the holes in our lives were there to bring us
together.  I think we have some other purpose," Josh said softly.  I could
see that he was deep in thought.

"You might well be right, Josh.  Whatever the reason, whatever the purpose,
I'm enjoying the ride.  I wouldn't trade anyone or anything for you."

"Neither would I," Josh said firmly and looked into my eyes.  "You know,
when we were talking the other week at Trout Lake, I starting thinking about
something.  I said that I thought we were attached somehow."

"I think we are too.  I can't explain it, but I feel it.  I mean, we always
know how the other is feeling.  We can communicate volumes to each other
without saying a word, and I know that I feel somehow smaller when we're
apart."  I wrapped both my arms around Josh and he melted into me.

"That's exactly what I mean.  I feel the same way.  It's not like telepathy
or anything, I can't read your mind, but I just seem to know how you feel
and what you're thinking.  Even when we're apart, I feel like that."

We sat silently for a few minutes staring at the fire pit as if it contained
a raging bonfire that only the two of us could see.

"I was thinking a lot about that and about the thing's you said about
purpose and I did some research on the Internet.  I found a site which
describes us pretty well."

"Really?  What was it about?  What did it say?"

"It said that people like you and me are soul mates.  The site said people
who are soul mates feel exactly the kinds of things we do.  It said that
some people think that only lovers can be soul mates, but they're wrong.
Any two people who are close and who love each other can be soul mates.
Sometimes its friends, sometimes its bothers or sisters.  You're my dad and
I'm your son, but I think we're also soul mates."

I thought about what he said and it made complete sense.  He was right.  "I
think you're right Josh.  I often feel like we're two halves of a whole.  I
can't imagine ever being without you in my life.  Our relationship started
on this hill and no matter where we go, no matter what we do, no matter what
happens, it won't ever end."

Josh wrapped his arms around me and buried his face in my chest.  I hugged
him back nuzzled my face into the top of his head.  He sat there like that
for a few minutes.  We both had moist eyes when we finally released each
other.

"I love you so much, Dad.  I feel like a new person since you came into my
life.  That first summer together changed my life and since we've been back
together, I feel like anything is possible.  I feel like I can take on the
world and that you'll be there with me."

"I love you too, Josh.  Anything is possible for you, and I will be there
with you.  You're going to do something big with your life Josh.  I'm pretty
sure that my job is to play a supporting role; to help you along, to
encourage you, and to teach you everything that I can.  I watch you
interacting with people and I forget that you're only 13.  You have an air
about you Josh.  You put people at ease and draw them to you."

"I never used to be like that.  It's only since we've been together.  I
learned it from you, Dad."

We continued to sit there leaning against one another for another 10
minutes.  We didn't say anything during that time and we didn't have to.  We
both felt the weight of destiny on our shoulders.  We didn't know what that
destiny would entail, but we knew we would face it together.

The dinner hour was fast approaching so we decided to head down the
mountain.  We got about halfway down when I stopped and turned to Josh.  We
looked at each other for a moment and then I handed him the small backpack,
turned my back to him, and crouched down.  "Hop on," I told him.

"Are you sure?"  Josh asked.  "I weigh a lot more now than I used to."

"I'm sure.  It just feels right.  I guess you could say that it's kind of
symbolic."

"Tell me if your leg starts to hurt," Josh said firmly as he climbed onto my
back and assumed the same position that he had the first time I had carried
him down.  I didn't really understand why, but I felt as if it was something
that I had to do.  Maybe it was because I was energized by the love of my
son, but I managed to carry him the rest of the way down without stopping
and without causing pain in my leg.  We got to the bottom and I placed him
back on his feet.

"One day I'm going to carry you down from there," Josh said seriously.

"I'm sure you'll be more than able to do that before long," I replied with a
smile.

We made our way to the dining hall and met up with Andy and Rachel.  The
campers were already assembled and ready to eat.  We were about to take our
seats when Andy grabbed us both by the arm and held us back.  "Wait just a
second," he said as Rachel walked to a microphone at the front of the room.

"Hello everyone!  Welcome to Camp Tonawonka.  This is our first day together
and we have a really terrific summer ahead of us.  Tonight, we have
something special planned for you.  We have two very special guests for the
night," Rachel told the campers.

Josh and I looked at each other and then at Andy.  He just gave us one of
those phony `I don't know what's going on' looks.

"I'd like you all to extend a loud Camp Tonawonka welcome to Tommy Davis and
Josh Chambers," Rachel said as Andy dragged Josh and me to the front of the
room.

"Those of you who were campers here two years ago will remember Tommy.  He
is a legend in this camp and Josh was one of our best known regular
campers."

Three hundred or so kids jumped to their feet and began clapping and
cheering and all Josh and I could do was smile and wave.  Rachel motioned
for them to quiet down.

"Tommy, Josh and Mark, who is a friend of theirs, are true heroes.  Several
months ago, the three of them stopped a bank robbery and saved a woman's
life.  In a few weeks, they are going to be awarded medals from the Governor
General.  Camp Tonawonka has been around since the 1900s and has had a lot
of heroes.  Many boys and girls from this camp have become soldiers,
sailors, pilots, police officers, and firefighters.  Many, like Josh and
Tommy, have done heroic deeds and those former campers and counselors have
been recognized by being inducted into the wall of honour.  At tonight's
camp fire, Tommy and Josh will join those heroes and take their place on the
wall of honour."

The campers went wild.  Josh and I were positively beaming as Andy took our
hands hand held them aloft.  "You knew all about this, didn't you?"  I asked
him.

He just smiled and winked at me.  "Congratulations, brother."  He said with
a smile.  Josh and I took turns hugging Andy and Rachel.  Next thing we
knew, Paul, followed by all of his campers including Ricky, George and Gary
came to the front of the room and along with Andy hoisted Josh and me off
our feet to the roared approval of the rest of the campers.

That night, after dark, the campers assembled for the campfire and the
induction ceremony.  The ceremony was based on first nation's traditions and
was presided over by the chief of the local aboriginal community that was
affiliated with the camp.  Josh, forever thinking ahead, gave Andy the video
camera so that he could film the whole thing.

It started with a smudging ceremony in which Josh and I were fanned with the
smoke of burning sage and sweet grass.  The smudging ceremony was a
traditional ritual meant to cleanse us of negative spirits, energies or
influences.  After the smudging ceremony, Rachel read the reasons for our
induction to the chief.

"I present to you, our brothers Josh and Tommy.  Josh, Tommy and their
friend Mark have distinguished themselves and honored our camp family
through their acts of bravery and courage in the face of grave danger.  Josh
and Tommy interrupted a bank robbery and saved the life of a young woman in
the process.  In saving the woman's life, Tommy was wounded by gunfire and
forced to take the life of one of the robbers.  We ask you to honour them
and add their names and likenesses to those of their brothers and sisters
who have likewise honored our camp family."

The chief nodded his head and stepped over to me.  He looked me in the eyes
and said "Brother Tommy, you have honored us with your courage and bravery
and we welcome you as a member of our tribe.  From this day forward, you
shall be known as Askuwheteau, which means `He who keeps watch.'"  With
that, he handed me a single eagle feather.  Before he moved onto Josh, he
looked into my eyes again and said, "Do not be troubled.  He who takes a
life in defense of others, remains pure of heart."

"Thank you," I said softly and nodded.

The chief stood in front of Josh, looked him in the eye, and said, "Brother
Josh, you have also honored us with your courage and bravery and we welcome
you as a member of our tribe.  From this day forward, you shall be known as
Annawan which means `Leader of men'" He handed Josh a single eagle feather
and then turned to face the campers.  "Let us welcome Askuwheteau and
Annawan as they take their places amongst the bravest of the brave.  Let
them watch over and protect each other on their journey of discovery."

I felt wonderful.  It felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
  I didn't know how the chief knew that I was still troubled by the
shooting, but he did and what he said helped.

After the ceremony ended, Andy convinced me to reprise my role as the chief
story-teller of the camp and, while Josh filmed the whole thing, I held the
entire camp enthralled for more than an hour with one ghost story after
another.  I was always very animated when I told stories and I paced around
and gesticulated constantly.  I felt so energized that I could have gone on
for another hour without even breaking a sweat, but it was time for the
campers to turn in, and Josh and I had to be back on the road the next day.
With the camp fire out, we followed Andy and Rachel to back to the dining
hall where they showed us the plaques containing our pictures, names, camp
dates, and Indian names which would be added to the wall of honour.  I was
thrilled to see that, although he had never attended Camp Tonawonka, the
camp had also honored Mark.  We both received plaques identical to the ones
to be hung on the wall, and we were given one for Mark.  The Indian name
chosen for Mark was Wematin that means `Brother'.

Josh and I bid Andy a goodnight and then retired to cabin 8.  We walked into
the cabin and received a hero's welcome from eight boys, one counselor, and
one junior counselor.  The boys were ready for bed, but totally wound up.
By then, Paul, Gary, Ricky and George had filled the other boys in on who
Josh and I were and we suddenly had a whole flock of new friends.  I knew we
wouldn't get much sleep that night.  We both ended up getting roped into
staying up half the night playing cards and just shooting the shit with the
boys.  We had a great time and it was an excellent cap to a memorable day.

When the boys finally began to drop off to sleep, Josh and I retired to our
bunks.  Josh took the top bunk and I took the bottom.  We said our
goodnights and we were both asleep just about as soon as our heads hit the
pillow.

The next morning, we were awakened by the start of a pillow fight.  Eight 12
and 13 year old boys running around smacking each other with pillows is more
than enough to wake most people up, and Josh and I were no different.
Before long, we had both joined in the fun.  Paul finally came out of the
counselor's room, took one look at the 10 of us, smiled and shook his head
before grabbing a pillow of his own.

Josh and I followed the boys to the showers and bathroom and got ourselves
cleaned up.  We dressed for the day and then joined the campers in the
dining hall for breakfast.  Breakfasts were always wonderful meals at Camp
Tonawonka.  There was always plenty of hot food to go around and that
morning was no exception.  Josh and I ate our fill and then prepared to
resume our journey.  Our trip back to where our life together first began
had been a memorable and uplifting experience but it was time to move on.
As much as we would have liked to stay longer, we had places to be and
people to see.

We packed up our gear and then went to the camp office to say goodbye to
Andy and Rachel.  "Thanks for everything, Rachel.  This was an incredible
experience.  We'll definitely be back."

"You're welcome.  Both of you take care of yourselves and have a safe trip,"
she said as she hugged both Josh and me.

We then followed Andy out the door and headed to the Jeep.  We got part way
there before Paul, Gary, George, and Ricky intercepted us.

"Don't be a stranger," Paul said as he offered me his hand.  We shook firmly
and then he turned to Josh.  "You too, kiddo."  He said with a smile.

Next, I got big hugs from each of my boys.  They hadn't been my campers for
two years, but I still considered them to be my boys.  I cared about all of
them and they evidently remembered me and cared a lot about me too.  Josh
and I exchanged email addresses and cell phone numbers with Paul and each of
the boys and then followed Andy over to the Jeep.

"I know I don't have to tell you this, but be safe and look out for each
other.  I love you both," Andy said.

"We both love you too," I replied and Josh and I pulled him into a 3-way
hug.  "We'll see you in Ottawa."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Andy replied.

Josh and I released Andy and climbed into the Jeep.  I started the engine
and Josh fired up the GPS and called up our course.  Soon we were driving
slowly down the camp's driveway.  The counselors had assembled all of the
kids and they lined both sides of the road waving and cheering us on.

After a very moving and emotional start to our journey, Josh and I once
again hit the road.  Before long, we hit the Trans-Canada Highway and headed
west.  Northwestern Ontario, the prairies, and the coast lay ahead of us.
We were as happy as we could be.  The bond which we had forged at camp
Tonawonka had grown to something of immense strength and depth over the past
eight months.  Whatever lay ahead on the road during this journey or in the
rest of our lives, we would face it together.