It was a brisk and overcast day in August, which is quite unusual for a West Virginia. Despite the current weather my family and I were going white water rafting down the raging New River. Normally, the river wasn’t as intense and the rapids weren’t as big, but after a week of rain the water was furious. I was nervous and scared, wanting to back out, but I wasn't about to let my attitude get in the way. So after we picked out our life vests and paddles, we loaded our rafts. It was time to face the sparkling white caps with our flimsy boats.

“One, two, three!” We all shouted in unison so that we could paddle together and go faster. Our guide, George, steered the raft from the back and lead the chants. Before you know it George announced, “We are about to go through our first rapids, they are class four rapids and it will be very bumpy. If any of you fall off don’t panic and kick your legs because there are sharp rocks under us. Just float to the left and try to get somewhere on land and wait for us to come rescue you.” He finished his little pep talk with this, “Let’s have fun guys, but make sure you hold on!” After hearing this I was absolutely terrified even more than before. So many thoughts were going through my mind and all I hoped was that I did not fall off that raft.

In case you are unaware, white water rapids are ranked in classes from one to five. Class one is the easiest when there are barely any white caps, and class five is when there are huge waves, five foot drops, and big rocks in the way. Since most of the rapids were class four they were pretty intense and at some points we were going up and over six foot waves. A couple times we flew through the air after hitting into hidden boulders. The trip went by fast and before I knew it our eight mile journey was almost over. However, first we had to make it past the biggest, toughest, and craziest class five rapids the river had to offer.

As we approached the last rapids our guide gave us another one of his encouraging pep talks. This time all he said was, “Just try to hold on for dear life!!!” The rapids were about ten feet tall and it was truly a devastating experience. The waves threw us to the left and right and eventually, when we were nearing two huge rocks, I was thrown off the raft into the raging water. My biggest fear had just become a reality.
Tumbling around in the water I was stunned, scared, confused. It happened so fast. Thoughts violently crashed through my mind. Where was I? Would I hit a rock? Should I start swimming somewhere? Will they be able to find me? Why can't I reach the surface?!?!?!? I continue to swim toward the light and finally hit the oxygen rich air. I gasped for share taking as much as I could get, and I dog paddle toward the drifting raft. As soon as George saw me pop up in the water he extended his extra-long paddle and I grabbed it just in time. He started to pull me in, I was safe now.

After a long day, and a bumpy ride, our flimsy raft was pulled up on the rocky shore and our adventure was over. As soon as our exhausted body stepped foot on the soil the overcast clouds drifted away and the sun rays reached out to us. That exact moment of satisfaction that we had made it was the best reward I have ever received.

This entire experience taught me something about life. Sometimes we have those dark and gloomy days where we feel like we've been thrown around in the rapids. It might even be so bad that we completely fall apart and let the waves take us down. However, despite the obstacles that we all may face, in the end everything works out and will feel proud that we made it to the end of our journey. So remember, even when the skies are gray, have hope that the sun will come out soon make the day better.