Once You Sign the Release - Week of Feb. 6th

Article I, Section 8, clause 8, of the United States Constitution states the purpose of copyright laws is “to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.”  

In Cameron's lifetime, we have signed quite a few photo release documents.  It doesn't surprise us too much anymore to receive an email or letter in the mail where a photo of our son is being used.  Even though we are partial, we do believe Cam's smile draws others in.

During some drive time this week, Jane was relaying a story to Cam about remaining positive.  Cam said that some of his friends could use that positivity.  This led to a conversation about choosing to be a "Grumpalump" or "Smile A Mile."  Jane told her son that it's truly not possible to smile all of the time under every circumstance, but they both agreed that it was better to be more smiley versus being more grumpy.

The weekend brought a packed agenda.  Saturday after lunch, we made our way to LMCU ballpark where a Polar Plunge was taking place.  Participants were asked to raise money for Special 
Olympics Michigan.  Cam's best bud, Brody, was set to plunge in a freezing cold pool of water a little after 2pm.  The sun was shining so it did feel a bit warmer than the 40 degrees on the thermometer.  Our mutual good friend, Ms. Stephanie, came by to root Brody on as well. 

The local sheriff's department asked Brody to be a part of their team.

We all cheered watching the brave registrants jump into the frigid H2O and we were especially loud when Cam's best bud did his part.

On our drive back home, Cameron told us he was happy we went to support Brody.  That evening, we enjoyed a takeout dinner from a favorite local spot, Cascade Roadhouse, and watched the classic movie, Ghostbusters, as a family.

Earlier in the week, we experienced some rain and warmer weather.  We were a bit nervous that our last adaptive skiing lesson may be canceled due to poor conditions.  Thankfully, the slopes were open and the forecast was sunny with 50 degree weather!  It was the first time Cam experienced skiing in ideal, sunny conditions.  His adaptive ski team of Jason, Grace and Vincent expertly guided him onto the chairlift and down the hill close to a dozen times in our two-hour session.  Cam had his fastest run down the hill ever, according to him.

As it turned out, it was a good thing our last event was Sunday.  Chris' snowboard binding broke on our final sprint down the hill.  He was fine, but had to walk down the last half of the slope.  We thanked Team Cam for their volunteering time and expertly teaching Cam additional skills in adaptive skiing.

Since it was SuperBowl Sunday, we promptly headed home after leaving Cannonsburg.  Soon after we arrived, Coco drove up with her kiddos.  Molly and Jude entered our home shortly afterwards.  We feasted on a spread of chips and dips, wings, meatballs, carrots and celery.  The game was good, the company even better and the weekend overall was simply awesome!

Camology Quotes:

Cam's team of PT, OT and Speech experts at school are always looking for different ways to enhance his school experience.  After school one day, he talked about his OT asking him to bring in any unique silverware from home.  That same evening while Cam was in his nighttime routine, Jane asked him if he wanted to bring the fork into school. 

Cam was incredulous and exclaimed:

"What did you say Mom?!" 

"Did you want to bring the fork into school?" 

*insert Cam uncontrollable laughter* 

"I thought you said 'pork' Mom!" 

"You thought I asked you if you wanted to bring the pork into school?" 

*insert Cam & Jane uncontrollable laughter*  

"I love you, Mom.  Thank you for bringing humor into my life."