I didn't realize what day it was either. I went back and looked at my "diary" what I did on that day. I'm still at the Audubon State Historic Site near St. Francisville, Louisiana as a "camp host". At least, that's the position title. The job duties are actually "tour guide" for the historic plantation house. But, in order to stay busy when I'm not scheduled for house tours, I'm always busy on the grounds doing something to help assist. If not studying Louisiana History, slave life, or something about John James Audubon, I'm building, fixing, or repairing something on the grounds.
Well, it turned out, I helped another of the newest park rangers (he's 25 years old) build herb boxes for a program he's going to put on in August for 12 school kids. Now, this young guy has never held a hammer in his hand, worked a power carpenter's tool, or turned a screw driver. So this was new territory for him.
So, Sunday was a day of patients, teaching, and watching a young fellow get a sparkle and a glow in his eyes with each step of building 12 simple flower boxes. When the first one was done (and he did ALL the work, I just guided him), he was so proud of his accomplishment. He took one box to show the park manager, and eventually took it for a display item at the park office with fliers inside it for his event.
I will say, I've done a lot of things in my lifetime that brought a sense of joy and pride for me, but watching this young guy come "alive" was remarkable! I'm glad I was able to contribute. The rewards of life are not always monetary or collecting possessions. The true rewards of life are when you give a piece of yourself to someone else!
That's how I spent the Summer Solstice of 2026!
