The Little White Rocking Chair--CBTX Part 2

Last post you got to hear all about Parker’s time at Camp Blessing but the heart of that story lies with his brother. Spencer went to Camp Blessing for the first time last summer (Camp Barnabas back then) and had an amazing time. I can’t even begin to tell you how nervous I was about sending him. This is very ironic if you know me very well, I am super laid back in my parenting style and pretty much give my little birdies their wings and then gently shove them out of the nest to fly on their own. Parker was sent to a week long overnight camp at the young age of 7. But with Spencer it’s very different; he seems so “helpless” for a lack of a better word. He struggles with very basic things…showering, eating, dressing; and he is a big time wanderer. I was so worried about him getting lost, forgotten or yes, I even thought what if someone mistreats him or “takes advantage” of him and he can’t stand up for himself or defend himself. And to add to that, he can’t talk so how would I even know what happened at camp, and even worse if something bad happened!! The drop off last year, I was a complete basket case, I cried the whole way home. So worried about him!

This year was TOTALLY different!! I was so excited to send him! This due to the amazing time he had last year and the very special friendship we have since formed with his counselor, Mike. A few days before he left Mike asked if we were okay with having him be Spencer’s counselor again this year!! Of course, we said yes!! I felt so comfortable him being there, I honestly didn’t even think about it once while he was gone!! (Last year I think I emailed the camp director every day!)

When pick up day came around, I couldn’t wait to see him!! We first went by Parker’s cabin to get him, because I was most curious about his experience as a sib. We then headed over to Spencer’s cabin, we walked in the door and he got a big smile on his face and gave us all big hugs but was quickly back to being interested in looking at his camp book with Counselor Mike. Spencer can’t tell us what went on at camp, but I KNOW he had a great time.  But for us to know about his time there, we have to rely on what his counselors tell us and our own feelings and impressions of the experience.

There are so many things I would love to share about my impressions and feelings, but so much of it really can’t be put into words. I could probably sum it up that the people there are probably the closest example to Christ like love that I have ever witnessed!! In the world of parenting a special needs child, we are often faced with adversity, prejudice, side ways stares, and sometimes people being down right nasty. (But then again you see that everywhere no matter if you have a disabled child or not) To see such an out pouring of genuine love for all the kids is such an amazing testament and at the same time reassuring that there is good in this world. On top of that, many of our special kids have behaviors and tantrums that aren’t for the faint of heart and as parents we deal with them in hopes of a rare smile and hug from our kid. But to see these volunteers willingly and boldly stand up to the challenge and give so much of themselves for very little in return, is truly amazing. Man, you can just feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when you are in the room during closing ceremonies.

Okay, so those are some of the things I felt, but here are a few little tidbits I got from Mike when we picked him up….

The Cross Carry
I think this is my favorite story from camp. During the last night at camp they have a Cross carry where the Cross goes from cabin to cabin and as it does each group comes out stands around the Cross and they pray over the week. Mike said they had some “challenging” kids in their cabin, so as they were going around, the counselors would say things like, "thank you for giving me patience", "thank you for giving me wisdom", etc. Mike said when it came around to him; he felt kind of bad because Spencer is such a joy, he prayed, "thank you for joyfulness, smiles and laughs." I just LOVE that!!

The Little White Rocking Chair
At the end of camp the parents come and they have a closing ceremony where we all gather in the main room, the worship band plays, they show a video and the Directors talk about the week. As we are sitting there, Mike leans over and said “see that little white chair over there with the drum? That’s Spencer’s chair. He got to sit there every night with the worship band and play his drum.” Right about that time, the band started getting into position to play and Spencer hopped right up, went on stage and sat in his chair and played along with the band. I LOVE IT!! (Wish I had a picture, but here's one of little drummer Lou)

Everyone Loves a Spencer
As we were about to leave, we were saying our goodbyes and KT, the keyboard girl from the band, came up and introduced herself and said how much she loved Spencer and wants to come hang out with him sometime. Well, about that same time a few others came up and were saying how much they enjoyed spending time with Spencer. Mike, then says to me that they have decided that he can’t be Spencer's counselor anymore, because he needs to share the Spencer love with the other counselors. I said, “they are going to have to get my approval first.” But seriously, it fills my heart with so much joy and love to know that these complete strangers have grown to love both of my kids so much in just a few short days at camp.  (here's a picture of Spencer banging it out on KT's keyboard)

When I get frustrated with Spencer and his autism, I remind myself that I wouldn’t have experienced this powerful example of Christ or have these people in my life if it weren’t for autism. Man, I am humbled beyond words, because I am so far from exhibiting this kind of love. It’s a powerful message that I have A LOT of work to do….

Until next time…grace, peace, hope, love and prayers


T

Mike gave Spencer the award for Joyfulness and chose 1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.