Oldest Son and Youngest Son spent the holiday weekend with us. It was great fun.
They don't get to see each other often, as Oldest Son is now married and lives in Illinois. Youngest Son has been working all year at a camp about a 45 minute drive from here (i do believe that ALL there is 'up north' in michigan are camps!). Oldest Son was a counselor for many years at this same camp.
They are both working there this week, along with Their Cousin. It is Mentally Impaired week at camp. The campers range in age from teenagers to those in their 70's. This is an intensive and tiring week, but one they all find to be the most enjoyable week of the summer.
Daughter worked Mentally Impaired week as a counselor just once. The stories that they tell from MI week are incredible. These campers are truly precious to them.
A few years back, Daughter and I were eating in a restaurant. At a table across the room sat an elderly woman and her mentally impaired son. Daughter wasn't facing them, but I noticed that this man would look at her, and smile, look at her, and smile, look at her, and smile. Finally, I asked her if she knew him. She looked, and yes, she did! She went over to talk to him, and he and his mother both lit up like fireflies! He remembered her from camp, and she remembered him. I do believe that two mothers were happy that day.
Daughter tells other stories, about trying to get 70 year old 'girls' dressed and out of the showers. How their feelings aren't much different at all from hers. How sad it was for her to learn that those with seven year old minds must live with all the functions of an adult female body.
Apparently, the best part is listening to them sing. Simple songs about how God loves them. How He made them, takes care of them, and will somehow, someday make them well.
I'm very proud of my kids. I could not do this. I could not chase around naked 70 year olds who are refusing to shower. I couldn't get up several times in the middle of the night to get 'kids' to the potty. Or, fix things when they don't make it in time. But, they can, and they LOVE it.
I could learn a lot from my kids.
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4 comments:
Wow! Your kids are an inspiration! I used to work at camps when I was younger too, and I still remember one young mentally challenged girl who would follow me around like a puppy dog. I was quite impatient with her because I don't have the giftedness your children have. At the final campfire she got up and said "I thank God for Heather. She taught me to ride a horse." I cried. I felt humbled and blessed, but part of me really felt ashamed for showing so little patience with her. I'm glad there are people like your kids who show so much grace.
hey mom! we're having a great week. i ran into a camper at an apple orchard earlier this year, he was there with his parents and some others from a group home. i think it was more exciting for me than for him! he's in my cabin this week! i have 3 campers this week who all need assistance walking, and in showers and on the toilet... pray for me :) i love you
Never done anything like this. Never could. You must be a good mother.
Evan's right, this week is great. I have three campers from before and three new ones. This is the first time they've used the Ridge cabins for this week, and I get to sleep in my old cabin. It still says "Buddy's Cabin" on the front, the work of friendly vandals five years ago.
It's so weird being back. There's enough the same that it feels like home, but enough different to make me really miss how it was. I've been talked into working another week, so I hope it will get better.
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