“Yes, but for kids who feel like their lives are out of control, the notion that they are ‘helping’ other kids gives them confidence that they’ve got a handle on whatever it is they’re struggling with. Kind of a reverse psychology type thing if you will.” She shrugs. “We also do a Trust-Fall Retreat once a year where we take the kids and challenge them to do outdoorsy things. Little do they know, all staff are trained grief counselors who push the kids to make them feel alive again. Everything we do is to help them cope.” Her smile softens as more laughter floats in from outside. “Why?” she restates my question, her voice filling with pride. “Because we can and because we make a difference.”

“What can I do to help?”

Ellie puts me through the rather simple paces. How to sign new kids up. What forms and waivers their parents or guardians need to fill out. The fees to collect. And once I have all that, how to categorize them so they can be put on teams according to their age group.

It’s only when I’m sorting through the forms I’ve pulled in for the day, that I look up to find Gunner standing in the doorway, shoulder propped against it, and his hands in his pockets.

“Hi,” he says after a beat.

“Hi. Everyone picked up?” I ask about the last of the kids who were waiting for their parents.

“Picked up? Yep.”

“Was it a good day?”

“Let’s see. I ran into you. I convinced you to work here. Joey laughed more than he cried today.” He nods. “That means it was definitely a good day.”

“Joey?”

“My human backpack today.”

“He’s a cutie.” His big blue eyes and spikey blond hair come to mind.

“He lost his father last month. Suicide bomber took him out at a roadside check. His mom is a mess.” He shakes his head as sadness owns his eyes. “I’ve been trying to do all I can to help him while she figures stuff out.”

“This project is incredible.” I rise from my seat. “You are incredible.”

Gunner shrugs. “Ellie and I do our best with what we have.”

“You’re not good with compliments, are you?”

He chuckles and averts his eyes. “We just wish we could do more so we could help more.”

“Is there any other way for you to get funding?” I ask, fully aware that he’s dodging the compliment comment. A humble man. That’s not something I’m used to finding much these days.