Weigh Station

 

 

          Only two team members and a manager were allowed in the room to weigh the bridge.  John had the children choose numbers, and Cole and Jessica won.  They swung down the hall while the rest of the group gathered around me in nervous anticipation.  Other groups we knew from Big Walnut strolled past us, stopping to say hello, check our progress, and promise support at our performance.  Kalli's parents offered snacks, but the costumes were already donned, so that would have to wait.

          They came around the corner quickly, on a mission.  "The hole is a quarter inch too small--they're going to cut it."  John turned to Cole and Jessica, prodding them to move quickly. 

          "Can I come?"  "Me too!"

          "No, this is a job for just a few of you.  We'll be back."  He headed out the door, leaving anxious children behind.

          He was back a few minutes later, bridge in hand.  The second time, team and props followed, at least to the entrance, of the weight room. 

          "It's too tall?"  The kids didn’t comprehend, even though the words were coming from their mouths.  Disappointment threatened to ebb its way in, pushing out the excitement of our impending performance.  Two choices--neither ideal--were left:  leave the bridge as is, for no points but fun seeing how much weight it would hold; or, fix it by cutting out main supports and glue, weakening the integrity for the hope of staying in the competition.  Cole's spirited personality rattled us all back into the excitement of the day, ""There's a chance?! Let’s go for it!"  He grinned impishly, raised his left hand in a fist for emphasis and grabbed the structure with his right as he led us out the door.