Roxie and I were at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River last Wednesday morning. It’s one of the most visited sites in Minnesota. I think most Minnesotans have walked across the beginning of this mighty river that is located in Itasca State Park. 

Something unexpected happened while we were there. We arrived in the morning and I was surprised at how many people were already there. The last time I walked across the headwaters was about 25 years ago with my family. I remember it well, because while I was walking on the rocks crossing the river a boy scout accidently bumped me and I slipped off the rock and sprained my ankle really bad. It ruined the rest of my vacation.

Roxie and I took some pictures and enjoyed watching people walking across the Mississippi. I am guessing maybe 75 to 100 people were at the Headwaters when something remarkable took place. There was a father pulling his disabled son in a cart. He had two walking sticks and a harness pulling a special chair behind him that his son sat in. I didn’t see him cross the first time but now he was across the river coming towards us.

The father was shouting encouraging words to himself and his son that they were going to make it back across. That they can do this! He voice was way above everyone else,  so everyone on the shore basically stopped doing what they were doing and focused on the father and his son’s journey across the river. He was having a very difficult time pulling his one wheel chair that was holding his son. He almost fell down a couple of times and the crowd moaned and groaned with every step he took. Roxie and I, along with everyone else were quietly watching this man struggle to get across. The boy’s mother who was behind the boy looking very worried seemed to be asking someone to help.

A couple of men sprang into action to hold the boy upright and help the father. The dad all the time shouting we can do this! We will make it! The walking sticks the father were using was a big help to him. He was thanking the men who were helping. About half way, the crowd on the shore started cheering them on. Everyone on the shore was watching and involved in what was going on by then.

A good number of people on the shore had their phones out taking pictures and recording it, including me. I did feel guilty at first. I’m glad I took some pictures because it was a great moment.  When they reached the shore a big round of applause and cheers came from the crowd. The father raised his fist with a shout. The son had the biggest smile and you could tell he was thrilled! Some people gathered around them and visited for awhile. I saw them later by the gift shop and all three of them had big smiles. Looking back on this I wish I would have visited with them.

Roxie and I were really moved by what we witnessed, as was everyone else. It was a moment where strangers came together to help someone accomplish their goals. The thing that got me was all of us that watched were strangers from different places and were united by watching a father make something special happen for his son. And we cheered them on! Proud to be an American and live in this great state and country.