Three Teens, One Mom, and a Park Full of Frat Bros

Joannis, Josephine, and Wyatt playing games

In March 2020, I unexpectedly spent an apocalyptic spring break with my children at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska. Every year, we made it a tradition to rent a cabin during spring break, and this time, the park unknowingly served as a tranquil haven just before the early effects of the global pandemic emerged. Nestled amid the rolling prairie scenery and majestic pine trees, we enjoyed scenic hikes, played games by the fireplace, and practiced climbing at the adventure center. The fresh spring air and the lively conversations of the teenagers filled our days with energy and optimism, despite the increasing worries back home. Our trip to Mahoney State Park not only helped us reconnect with nature but also gifted us a rare and treasured moment of peace and togetherness during a period of global uncertainty.

We had already been immersed in the park’s natural surroundings for four unforgettable days when Omaha Public Schools sent the announcement they would close temporarily due to the escalating Covid-19 crisis. With the closure set for just one week, I booked the cabin for additional days to extend our stay. This unexpected extension was a welcome respite for the kids, eager for relief from school pressures, while I valued the extra time with them as I recovered from my heart transplant. As the world outside the park rapidly changed, I believed the prolonged stay at Mahoney State Park would provide a precious moment of calm before the wave of lockdowns and adjustments that followed. I was wrong!

While we were engaged in games inside our warm cabin, laughter and friendly rivalry echoing around us, our focus suddenly shifted outside where we noticed an unusual sight: a continuous line of cars making their way down the forest trail toward the adjacent cabin. The vehicles’ headlights flickered through the trees as they approached our location. Intrigued, we paused our game and peeked out the window, attempting to understand this unexpected occurrence. The mood changed from playful to curious, as though a story was unfolding just beyond our doorstep, prompting us to speculate about the visitors’ purpose and what awaited at the neighboring cabin.

After the cars came to a stop, we observed a group of young men spring from the cars to cheerfully carry crates of beer and various snacks into their cabin. The scene was unmistakable—these were classic frat boys, exuding a carefree confidence and camaraderie that only such tight-knit groups seem to share. Their spirited exchanges, often accompanied by high-fives and "Theta Chi!", conveyed a youthful enthusiasm and excitement for a few days of bonding and celebration before heading home to quarantine. Watching them from afar, it was easy to picture nights ahead filled with loud music, competitive games, and general chaos. Smiling to myself, I braced for the noisy evenings to come.

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That evening, the trio of teenagers found themselves irresistibly drawn by curiosity as the neighboring frat party surged to a peak of laughter, music, and unruly energy. Attracted by the throbbing rhythms and sudden bursts of boisterous cheers, they cautiously peeked through the square windows of the cabin, their eyes filled with a blend of wonder and amusement. The dimly illuminated space buzzed with a chaotic mixture of dancing, spilled drinks, and loud, carefree conversations – a captivating scene so unlike their usual experience. For a brief instant, the teens caught an exhilarating glimpse of the wild freedom characteristic of college life, a raw, unrefined celebration of youth that felt both exciting and a bit risky. That night marked a striking clash between innocence and untamed liberty, leaving them with vivid memories charged with excitement and the undeniable charm of rebellion.

Early the next day, we ventured out into the cool, invigorating air on our way to the activity center.  Brimming with energy, we were eager to try rock climbing before embarking on the day’s events. In sharp contrast, the neighboring cabin sat in silence; the previous night’s lively buzz replaced by a heavy stillness. Scattered chip bags and empty cups told the story of the raucous festivities, yet now only quiet prevailed, as if the cabin itself was recuperating from the previous chaos. Before fastening my seatbelt for the short trip, I caught sight of the astonishment on my younger companions' faces.

At the center, we listened attentively as an instructor shared guidance and cautions related to climbing. Once the instruction concluded, I watched the kids approach the climbing walls with resolve and a spirited sense of friendly rivalry, motivating each other to exceed their limits and take pride in even their smallest achievements. The variety of routes available at the center catered to all levels of expertise, enabling them to gain confidence while enhancing their strength, balance, and problem-solving abilities. Their joyous laughter and victorious cheers echoed throughout the area, fostering a lively and friendly ambiance. After working up impressive appetites scaling the colorful holds, we headed back to our cozy cabin for a well-deserved lunch.

When we arrived back at the cabin, I expected a calm break but was disappointed to find that someone had parked their vehicle in the designated handicap spot directly outside our cabin. Earlier in our stay, I valued how simple it was to get in and out, but with the loud frat party happening next door, there wasn't a single spot left. I debated whether to speak with the driver or contact park authorities, then chose to address the issue directly.

Hearing laughter and music from the cabin, I knocked loudly and waited for someone to answer. Time seemed to drag on, each moment increasing my frustration. Finally, the door slowly opened, revealing the bleary-eyed face of a slightly swaying, intoxicated reveler who blinked as if trying to focus on a distant thought. His disheveled appearance and slurred greeting contrasted sharply with the raucous energy spilling out from within, reminding me of my own regrettable choices during my college days.

With a soft chuckle, I introduced myself: "Hi, I’m staying in the cabin next door. Someone has parked in the handicapped spot – could you please ask them to move their car so I can park? I recently had a heart transplant and don’t have much energy."

He stepped outside to check out the car in question, before turning to his friends with mischief gleaming in his eyes. Pursing his lips, he let out a piercing whistle to draw their attention, then called loudly into the cabin, “Kyle, you dick, you parked in this nice lady’s handicapped spot!” His voice reverberated against the wooden walls, blending amusement and disbelief, prompting everyone inside to erupt in laughter. Taken by surprise, Kyle sheepishly grinned and shrugged, admitting his mistake. Amid the lively beer pong game, laughter and shouts filled the confined space, and the guys playfully pushed Kyle toward me, urging him to move his car. Slightly caught off guard but joining in the fun, Kyle stepped away from the crowded table, weaving through his friends. The vibrant atmosphere didn’t wane; the ping pong balls clattered, and cheers of friendly rivalry echoed like an energetic soundtrack around us.

Outside, I held my breath as the intoxicated frat boy carefully backed his car out of the tight spot, gravel crunching beneath the tires. His grip on the steering wheel was loose as he straightened the vehicle, which then swerved erratically down the narrow lane, barely missing a line of parked cars before disappearing around the bend. Without hesitation, I slid into the now-vacant space, aware that my tranquil cabin lay just a short walk ahead. The sunlight streamed through leafless branches as I locked my car and walked up to join my young friends on the porch. Their cheerful laughter and animated conversation begged me to share how I had persuaded the young man to relocate his car from the handicapped spot, so with a hearty laugh, I scooted them inside to recount the tale during lunch.

After retreating to the cabin’s inviting warmth, the teenagers buzzed with a mix of curiosity and humor as I spun the tale. Kyle’s hesitant yet good-humored cooperation quickly became the highlight of the story, serving as a reminder that sometimes straightforwardness and a touch of humor can connect generations and ease tension. Nourished by our meal and enlivened by shared laughter, we devoted the afternoon to wandering through the forest, savoring the unexpected break from school and routine. Meanwhile, the neighbors’ party carried on for another evening before they swiftly departed in their cars as abruptly as they had arrived; a few days later we followed suit.

On March twentieth, we made our way back to Omaha just as the global community began confronting the emerging Covid-19 restrictions. The timing was remarkable – what began as a brief getaway to a quiet place ended up becoming an carefree moment filled with unexpected laughter right before everything changed. While driving home, radio updates foreshadowed the extraordinary transformations ahead: social distancing, business shutdowns, and an entirely new lifestyle evolving at a rapid pace. Coming back to Omaha brought a bittersweet sensation; the once-familiar streets now carried a shadow of uncertainty and quiet. Even so, after those extra carefree days together, we felt more peaceful and resilient, ready to tackle new challenges with fresh energy and a greater appreciation for life's small pleasures that we'd overlooked before the pandemic changed everything.

At the Activity Center

Watching for trains