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June 12, 2010 Lake Ft. Phantom, Abilene, TX
Early in the morning, we were introduced and paired with Gabriel and his Uncle Domingo. After we got his rod and reel, tackle box, life jacket, worms and minnows in the boat, we said goodbye to his mother, Naomi, & sisters Lexie 14, and Jaidyn 6. Photos, which later were affixed to the award plaques, were taken as we passed by the pavilion.
Gabriel was quiet with little expression as we launched the boat. The wind was high on an overcast day & as we sped away from the dock, you could see apprehension in his eyes. As we cut through the waves, water splashing on us, he seemed to relax & started to smile. It was a wild, fun ride, something he had never experienced before and when we got to the wind protected cove, he was anxious to start fishing.
Quietly and without emotion, he reached for his rod and reel and after baiting it with a worm, made a one-handed cast out toward the lake. I could tell he had fished before, so I took this opportunity to talk with him. As he blankly stared at his line, he slowly revealed that he had been fishing before and loved it. As I kept talking and trying to get him to open up to me, I could see a slight gleam come into his eyes, and then a huge smile....he told me about his trip to Lake Belton and how he filled a basket with fish, all kinds of fish and of his love of swimming.
Even though he had a fish on but lost it, we could tell he was getting discouraged. We asked him if he would like to drive the boat and be our captain. Without hesitation, he jumped into the captain's seat, still emotionless, with Dewey at his side. After a short explanation of how to operate the boat, Gabriel fired up the engine, put it into gear, stepped on the hotfoot and off we went.
Gabriel was the captain, the man in charge, negotiating and maintaining control as we went through the rough waters on our return to the dock. As tension turned into relaxation, you could see he was having the time of his life. The expression on his face went from a blank stare to a smile and then unleashed to a big grin and then to laughter! He was a free spirit!
At the dock, Gabriel held our number up so they could get our truck and we could load the boat. He could not wait to tell everyone how he had drove the boat and he was captain!
After a picnic lunch including hamburgers, chips, cookies, and drinks, it was time for the awards ceremony. With an overwhelming sense of pride and compassion, one by one the captains presented their young boaters with a plaque and picture. It was finally Gabriel's turn. He became center stage of the show and after presenting his award to him, we all walked away with a new outlook on life.
Thank you Gabriel for changing our lives.
Team Nichols, Dewey & Carolyn
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Gabriel is 11, will be 12 in August, and was born in Abilene, Tx, He will be in the 6th grade this year, favorite class being math. He loves football, Toni Romo, Marion Barber and the Dallas Cowboys. He has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, ADHD and ODD, as well as asthma. He struggles with his anger, but is learning to handle it. Gabriel's mother, Naomi, states "Gabriel is a very good young man, but as his mother, it is hard to handle him at times but we deal with it as we go. Sometimes his Dad & I feel like we need a break cause it is so hard dealing with Gabriel... His older sister Lexie can talk him into calming down. I have to say that he loves his sisters very much, even though they pick and argue with each other!!!"
In a note later from Naomi,
Gabriel says, "Cast for Kids was FUN and I want to do it again. It felt good to be with Carolyn and Dewey out on the boat cause usually people don't like to be around me cause I don't know how to behave."
I was so happy and thankful to everyone who showed up for Cast for kids!! We want to THANK YOU and YOUR HUSBAND for all that you did that day!! Gabriel and his uncle had a lot of fun!!! We are glad to have met you and your Husband!!! I'm glad Gabriel got to boat with You both!!!
Thank you, Naomi
