Never Have I Ever - Week of Mar. 11th

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it for the first time or the last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory." ~Betty Smith 

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." ~T. S. Eliot 

"The first time you say something, it's heard. The second time, it's recognized, and the third time it's learned." ~John C. Maxwell

Cameron experienced some firsts this week...and his parents did too.

Tuesday morning, Cam and a few of his classmates appeared on the Forest Hills Northern TV (FHNTV) program.  The local production is broadcast only for the high school student body and teachers.  This group was featured because they were all volunteering to work at the Brody's Be Cafe Coffee Cart.  The Coffee Cart was scheduled to be available for the Special Olympics basketball tournament the next day.

That afternoon, Jane picked up her son at school since they were both scheduled to be at Renew Mobility.  Cam's mom was interviewed that morning as a board member.  Cameron was confirmed for his video time Tuesday later in the day.  Renew Mobility was the honored recipient of complimentary video work by a local videographer.  Cam and Jane chatted with fellow board members Matt and Jill.  A good friend, Ongie, was also there to be filmed.  

These were just a few of the questions posed to Jane and Cam for their non-profit interview:  How does it make you feel to know that your equipment will go to someone with a disability? How has the equipment from Renew Mobility impacted your life? Can you share a specific example of something that was made possible because of this equipment?  Links to the videos will be posted in a future blog!

Wednesday morning, Cam was stationed near the gym at Forest Hills Northern High School.  The group assembled volunteered to greet, serve coffee and collect payment.  Both Chris and Jane stopped in to see their son.  Unfortunately, work schedules didn't permit them to be there at the same time, but Cam was excited they both showed up.  Our son looked very official with the cafe apron and visor.  

That evening, power soccer practice was on the agenda.  Even though it was a busy day, Cam rallied to attend.  One of his friends who he hadn't seen in a few weeks was also there.  Coach had them run drills and practice driving skills. 

A big weekend was on the horizon for Cameron.  His first overnight camping adventure was scheduled for Friday - Sunday at Indian Trails Camp.  The session was centered around St. Patrick's Day.  Cam was nervous but excited.  Jane picked him up from school so he would have a little extra time before heading out around 4pm.  Drop off was slated for 4-5pm.  Everything was incredibly organized and we met three counselors upon our arrival.  This would be the first two nights Cameron would spend away from family and friends.  After a few big hugs with his parents, we all said our goodbyes with smiles.  Chris and Jane were then on their way to the cottage.

Sunday morning pickup at Indian Trails was between 10am and 11am.  Cam's parents arrived a little bit after 10 o'clock.  According to their son, the weekend was pretty good but a couple of the kids were "screamers" as reported by Cam and the counselors.  With Cameron's aversion to loud noise, it was difficult for him to deal with.  However, he loved the activities and really liked his counselors.  After processing and reflecting, he told us later that day that he thought summer camp might be fun!  He is currently on the waiting list.

Upon returning home, our camper was truly worn out.  For the first time in a very long time, Cam dozed a bit in the afternoon while watching a movie.  A visit from our cousins was the perfect ending to the weekend.  And to make that visit even more special, Cameron was treated to the famous shamrock shake from McDonald's!

Camology Quotes:

Cam met some new friends at camp and definitely liked the staff.  Jess was his favorite counselor and had a great sense of humor.  She told us that she and Cam thought similar things were funny.  When she commented on something, Cam chimed in:

"Ms. Jess, you're being sarcastic, right?!"