It's So Hard to Say Goodbye - Week of July 29th

"And I'll take with me the memories..To be my sunshine after the rain...It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday." ~Boyz II Men

It's not too often we are able to enjoy a fun outing on a weekday.  With our North Carolina friends at the cottage through Friday, the Weatherford fam headed to Montague late Tuesday afternoon.  The warm sunshine welcomed us.  Cameron was wearing kinesio tape, provided by his OT, to help his muscle activation in his forearms.

Chris was in charge of grilling the perfect summer picnic at Coco's.  Brats, hot dogs and sweet corn filled the entire cooking surface.  The local Mac's Meats homemade brats were exceptional and somehow taste the best eaten outdoors. Our cookout was a big success with contributions from everyone. It was a evening filled with laughs and togetherness.

Leslie's kids, Erin and Ali and Ali's finance Daree, left Thursday morning.  Leslie and Wes stayed in Grand Rapids with Cam, Chris and Jane Friday evening.

Cam was back into his therapy routine at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital this week.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday with back to back occupational and physical therapy sessions have been keeping him very busy.  He is also steadily regaining strength and new skills since the baclofen pump surgery. He is so excited to be practicing standing solo with his therapists.  Big smiles and laughter typically follow each accomplishment.

We said goodbye to Leslie and Wes Saturday morning and Jane headed to Grand Haven to spend the day with Oma and Opa.  Opa's health was in decline and a hospital bed was brought into their apartment on Thursday to keep him comfortable.

Jane told Opa that his buddy, Cam, was thinking about him.

Oma and Jane were very surprised when Opa passed away on Saturday.  They were both there and he was peaceful.  Jane asked Oma to come back to Grand Rapids with her.  As they drove, they talked about how difficult it would be to tell Cam.

Cameron has an empathetic soul.  He thinks of others and is conscientious.  When Jane shared that Opa had passed, he was very upset.  He's the only grandpa Cameron has ever known. 

Whenever Opa would see Cam, he would always say "how's my buddy?" And Cam would almost always answer with "Good Opa, and how are you?"  It's such a simple greeting but one that was their routine.  

In the spring, Opa attended a West Miracle League game of Cameron's.  Aunt Betsy and Uncle Jon brought Oma and Opa from Grand Haven.  Aunt Betsy commented to Jane that Opa truly seemed to light up when he first saw Cam that day.  

When Cameron was little, he had a tough time saying Grandma and Grandpa, so Oma and Opa became the norm.  The nicknames have remained.  Rest easy, Opa, we know you are now at peace.

Camology Quotes:

Even while arguing, Cam still has the ability to remain polite.

"Mom, I beg to differ."