My son was at summer camp this week. Repeat . . . my son was at summer camp!!!
I did not know if that was going to happen for him this year or not. He's had quite a few medical issues that have reared their ugly heads over the last few months and it's been tough.
Tough on him.
Tough on us.
Tough all the way around.
So we were pretty sure that he would have to miss out on summer camp this year.
But miraculously the clouds parted, the sun shone (shined?) down and at the last minute he got the all-clear to try summer camp this year and see how it goes.
And he lasted all week!
I needed this. It was a great little escape.
You know, the first year he went to summer camp I was a nervous wreck.
He had never been away from home except for the occasional hospital visit and even then I was with him all the time, sleeping on the couch a few feet away.
I was sick to my stomach and had tears in my eyes driving out of the camp gates that year and I was sure they would be calling at any minute for me to come get him (and I was secretly wishing they would).
I was afraid to enjoy doing ANYTHING without him being around. I guess I didn't want to get used to the freedom of just being a happy-go-lucky mom on vacation and then when he gets back from camp notice the difference.
OK, if you are new here, you are probably thinking this lady is the queen of all helicopter parents, but when it comes to my son that's exactly what I need to be. For those of you who don't know, my son has disabilities and the summer camp he goes to is for children with all types of challenges. On with the story . . .
I had sort of gotten used to our life and considered it normal and didn't want the glaring spotlight of knowing that our lives aren't exactly the same as other peoples. That we can't just willy-nilly go grab a burger at the noisy restaurant on the lake. Or go boating. Or go to a movie.
Since then I've calmed down a bit and look forward to a little normal time each year. Now my husband and I use the time to reconnect and have a little vacation of our own.
It's a good time for us to just relax. And have a beer. And let someone else be in charge of my son.
Because I've learned that our own personal normal comes screaming back fast enough on its own whether I'm embracing my time away or fearing it.
So now, I choose to embrace it.
So for you moms with special needs kiddos out there or for those of you with aging parents you care for (or both), please take some time for yourself! It's OK to live a different life for a few days. Really . . it is.
Melissa's Antiques
That's so nice that he got to attend camp for a whole week! How special for him && nice for you to get some much needed you time! 🙂
taryterre
I am glad you and your son got to have this special time to each do your own thing. What you said speaks to me because of my own circumstances right now. "normal comes screaming back fast enough on its own whether I’m embracing my time away or fearing it."
Ginger
What a great post! Your honesty is refreshing! It a time all of you need so the everyone gets a little me time. And I'm sure he beams knowing he can go to camp (cuz it's fun!) and be away from you for a little bit too! Glad you guys got life a little figured out and pop open a beer for me!!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
I'm so happy your son was able to go to camp...it really is a wonderful thing for all of you! Love your top photo, too!
Erica
This is an awesome post, Pam! I'm so happy that you all got a little break this summer from the chaos of every day life. I bet your son had the best time!
Kris
As a former special ed teacher and camp counselor I appreciate your need for respite! I'm always glad to see parents talking about and encouraging other care givers to get some time off from the tremendous daily responsibilities they shoulder. And it is important for you to know that every parent needs time away from their children - special needs or not. We all come back together refreshed and more appreciative of each other.
Love your blog and collections and sharing. Keep it up and hugs!
melinda
So glad that he was able to go to camp, hopefully he had a ball.
good for you two, taking time for yourselves.
That is the best way to be a great parent(S) as I know you are.
My parents at school struggle with this too. It is a tough one.
Happy Sunday.
M : )
Judy Clark
Sweet post Pam. So glad your son got to go and stay at camp and that you had some time for yourself and could relax a little. I'm sure it is nerve wracking when he is out of reach. Would definitely be for me.
Have a good weekend.
Judy
Ginny
That's so great he got to go, for all of you. Congrats and enjoy your time.
Lynn
Thank you, Pam! I loved reading your beautiful thoughts on this quiet Sunday morning. Your words touched me. I taught special needs children for many years and my dear 94 year old mother went to heaven this past week. Thanks for reminding me that life is constantly changing and we must enjoy the moments! Blessings!
Pam
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I lost my mom five years ago and it is such a hard thing to go through. Your mom is always your mommy no matter how old they are or how old we are. {{hugs}}
Lynn
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Leslie Harris
Pam I was just thinking about you! That's wonderful news that your son got to go back to camp again, I'm so happy for him and happy for his loving, dedicated parents who get a little replenishment for a few days. My son Michael just back from camp a few weeks ago--he's 21 now and wasn't sure his schedule would let him go this year (for his 4th or 5th time I've lost track) but he just did it. And when I read your words I just had to tell you that he came back totally beaming. As you probably know--he's assigned one camper throughout his week to care for, to wake up in the middle of the night for bathroom trips, to help with showers, personal needs etc...but mostly to have fun with him. .Or has he says, 'to make him feel like he's all that matters.' He says it makes him so grateful and he just loves all his campers. This year he posted a picture on his IG with the caption, "Blessed. Blessed. Blessed."
So you see? We're bonded through our boys.
They're both pretty special, don't you think?.
love to you,
Leslie
Pam
I just love that your son does that. I remember when you first wrote about it a few years ago and I was like "hey, my son goes to a camp like that!". I'm glad your son enjoys it so much! I was actually a little bummed that the guy who was with my son for the last two years had moved on this year. Well, he graduated from college and was actually working in his field, so it was a good bummed 🙂
Suzanne
I understand every word that you wrote. My sisters son was ill for 9 years and I watched all the ups and downs of everyday life. She and her husband were on 24/7 and of course they did it out of love but everyone needs a break. It was good for Camron to go to camp ( he loved it) and good for my sister and her husband. Bless you and your family and I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
Rhonda
Yay for summer camp!! Lovely that your son could have some great adventures and that you and your husband could reconnect!!
Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere
My own kids volunteered at a special needs camp for service hours when they were seniors in high school. They loved every moment. Of course it was challenging work, but they went back for the week every year while they were in college. Know that your son had a great time while you were recharging your batteries.
Pam
That's awesome that they volunteered at a camp Eilis! Let your kiddos know how much we moms appreciate what they do/did!