Acceptance - Week of Sept. 2nd

“With all these lovely tokens of September days are here, with summers best of weather and the autumns best of cheer.”
~Helen Hunt Jackson

Labor Day has been a federal holiday since 1894.  Its purpose was to honor workers and recognize their contributions to society.  Our holiday was celebrated by heading over to Red Lobster to use Cam's birthday gift card.  We were happy the restaurant was open for dinner and our waitress was super helpful.  Cameron chose his standard fish and chips.  He claimed the cod was very fresh and he even had some leftovers to take home.

The cooler mornings signaled that fall was approaching, but each afternoon it warmed up quite nicely.  Cam sported his new Detroit Lions shirt, received for his bday.

Saturday was Opa's funeral service.  

Jane picked up Oma early and drove to Montague to help get things organized.  Cameron and Chris took their places near the front of the church and Amanda and Ms. Ann sat with us.  There were so many family members and friends to support us all.  We were overwhelmed.  Jane said a few words about Opa. Everyone made their way downstairs afterwards for a delicious luncheon provided by the church ladies.  Cam was very sad after the service, but was surrounded by so many hugs and lots of love.  The picture boards we made via Walgreens were viewed by all.  It was good to talk about memories and hear laughter accompanied by stories and shared experiences.

Cam's grandma came to stay with us for the next two nights.  We wanted to help her relax after all of the activity.

We dined on Olive Garden takeout to provide a break for us all from dinner preparation.  Interestly enough, the takeout option provides two breadsticks per person (Cam's personal favorite) as well as a full salad for each individual plus the meals each of us ordered.  Suffice it to say, there were leftovers for everyone.

Cam and his grandma enjoyed quality time taking walks, reading books and simply chatting.  Chris and son finished up
some projects in the garage.

We know Cameron is very fortunate to have two grandmothers in his life.  This quote by Lois Wyse provides keen insight: "A child who has a grandparent has a softened view of life, the feeling that there is more to life than what we see, more than getting and gaining, winning and losing."

Camology Quotes:

Cameron appreciates a challenge. He definitely appreciates objecting to his mom at times.  After going back and forth one evening, Cam finally relented and said:

"I apologize for the false accusation, Mom."

See Ya Summer - Week of Aug. 26th

"August is like the Sunday of summer." ~Michael Stillwell

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date." ~William Shakespeare

As we inched closer to the holiday weekend, we wondered where summer had gone.

Cam settled into his new routine, being back at school.  Unlike his parents at age 17, he wakes up generally happy and ready to start the day.  Jane is thankful that the stroll down the driveway each morning isn't until 7am and it's light outside.

Mid-week, Chris and his son visited our friends, the Flegels, and returned home with an abundant fresh garden array of tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers and zucchini.  The boys even brought a beautiful fresh bouquet of flowers for Jane.

The weekend brought our "farewell to summer" fun!  Cam's parents were able to see their good friends, Molly and Jude with their sweet baby.  

On Saturday, we picked up Oma and spent the day with our cousins at the cottage.  It was a great beach day and Cam had his first "dip" into Lake Michigan since his surgery in June.  Although the water wasn't overly warm, it was refreshing and the sun sparkled on the big lake.

Dinner for almost 20 people certainly made for a lot of meal conversation that evening.  Spiral ham, brats, salads, potatoes, fruit and delicious pies and ice cream for dessert was memorable.  

Our cousins had close family friends in from out of town and we learned that they are big Costco fans just like our fam.  It was very telling when we realized Cameron and Kenny were wearing the exact same sun shirt purchased from, of course, Costco. 

It isn't too often that we stick around for the sunset, but we couldn't resist the beautiful hues.  It was awesome to have Oma with us for the entire time on the beach and in the evening.

We were especially happy to see summer go out on a high note.  Some years, the Labor Day weekend weather has been somewhat bleak.  With the sunshine and mild breeze, it almost felt like we were back in July!

Camology Quotes:

As Cam has adjusted to his intrathecal baclofen pump, the minor increases to the dosage happens sporadically.  Typically, his muscles feel looser in about four hours.  One evening, during his bedtime routine, the following conversation between father and son took place:

"I feel noodly!"

"Oh, Hi! Mr. Noodles."

"Ok, Mr. Chicken Tender!"