Ending the Summer with a Smile

Mike Madonna reflects on his time as a Mountain companion.

What can I say about my summer at the Mountain? It was so many things for me. It was fun, exciting and sometimes a little scary. It was frustrating at times, and peaceful at others. It’s hard to try and talk about nine weeks’ worth of memories, so instead I think I’ll talk about what made the summer so amazing for me and why I’ll never forget it.

I love the Mountain and have for a long time now. I actually wanted to apply for this position for summer 2013, but family obligations prevented me from doing so. I honestly think God may have had a little to do with that because I wouldn’t trade my summer at the Mountain for anything. If I had gone any year but this one I wouldn’t have had the wonderful pleasure of meeting so many of the people who visited during my time there. It is because of my interactions with people that my time at the Mountain this summer was such a rich and wonderful experience.

First and foremost I have to thank my other Mountain companion, Gabi Levine. When I first met her I wondered what she was doing living in the woods for nine weeks. However, by the end of the summer I considered her a very close friend and that friendship kept me strong during those times when I was worried or upset (not that there were too many of those).

Sister Clara, a Korean Poor Clare Sister who stayed with us on the Mountain, had a big impact on my time there as well. Her warm and honest smile is something I will never forget.

Part of the reason I love The Mountain is because I believe it brings out the best in people, and I got to see so much good this summer from people who taught me so much, whether they know it or not. So to those of you I met this summer who are reading, thank you. I am a much better person because of all of you.

And how could I forget the friars (my adopted uncles)? I still find it hard to believe God saw fit to have such a great group of men come together and make themselves available 24-7 to me and to all those who need them.

I didn’t realize how much they meant to me until I heard Fr. John Coughlin was leaving. I still feel the hole he left behind. However, John took it all with a smile on his face. His fortitude really inspired me. So when it came time for me to leave the Mountain, I too left with a smile. That is probably the most important lesson I learned this summer and I hope that lesson helps others, too.  

Never stop smiling.