Chat Pack - Week of June 10th

Most people are nice and just want to have a chat. ~Ben Nicholas 

On the first week of summer vacation Jane had realized she needed help with Cam Care since Ms. Amanda was still working at her charter school for two more weeks. Oma graciously accepted our offer to hang out with her grandson for three days while Jane worked this week.
 The dynamic duo kept themselves busy per usual. On the agenda this week was making homemade goodies including applesauce and healthy granola bites. Cam and Oma also finished up a science project and his daily summer homework. They ventured out on daily strolls and for the most part, the weather cooperated.
Cam’s grandma also found our Michigan Chat Pack – a deck of cards with open-ended questions about things in our state.
The following was a list Oma wrote of what Cam indicated would make a better Michigan.
• Handicap Ferris Wheel
• The Cam Weatherford Festival where they have homemade watermelon slushies
• Cam-Mobile Factory
• Dune Rides for power wheelchairs
• Add an elephant and elephant ride to Boulder Ridge zoo
• Cam Weatherford’s Ice Cream Shop

Friday was the Adaptive Sailing Clinic at Reed’s Lake, a yearly event Cam has taken part in the past few years sponsored by Mary Free Bed. 
Even though we felt a few sprinkles, the rain held off and our family enjoyed a pontoon ride.
Then Cam and Jane embarked on their sailing adventure with Capt. Mary. Our captain explained how the darker water signifies where the wind is strongest on the small inland lake. She also told us how her mother and grandmother were both expert sailors as well.

Signs like this were posted
all along the racetrack.

Saturday was packed with our morning beginning at the Berlin Raceway where the annual fundraiser for Lori’s Voice "Walk for the Challenged" was being held. Multiple news crews were on the scene to cover the event.
The purpose of Lori’s Voice is to provide funding for equipment, educational resources, or expenses related to medical treatment of individuals up to the age of eighteen who have neurological, muscular or other degenerative conditions resulting in permanent impairment or mobility issues.

Cam's buddy, Ms. Tracy from
Airway Oxygen

Lori & Dave Hastings-
Lori's Voice founders

Lori's Voice is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which was founded and established to help young people with disabilities. This organization evolved from Lori Hastings great love for children and the realization of so many challenges young people face when living with a disability. Living with a disability herself, Lori understands the medical needs that are not covered by insurance. Lori's Voice takes great pride in the fact that their entire organization along with their fundraising activities is completely handled by volunteers. No one at their organization takes a salary.

In the afternoon, we attended Jenna’s open house in Caledonia. Jenna and her family lived in our former neighborhood for years and we’ve stayed close. We are delighted to know that Jenna will be attending Grand Valley State University in the fall. Cam wore his GVSU shirt to honor her choice. She also told us she plans to be a special education teacher and we are thrilled to know that she is joining an elite group of individuals with such big hearts.

On Sunday, the boys continued preparing for the arrival of the new hot tub! Cam’s supervision kept his dad going for three hours outside. These two are the most dedicated team of workers ever!


Camology Quotes:

Cam finds humor in many situations.  When he saw this video Jane recorded of Stella in her office one morning, he immediately commented.

"Mom, you have to put this on blog.  It is so funny!  I want everyone to see it."