Parker Sees Things in a Different Light--Thank you CBTX!!

Camp Blessing was totally awesome for the boys. Last time I said one of the biggest things I wanted from Camp was an experience for Parker that would expand his views on people with special needs and more importantly Spencer. God sure did listen!! He is definitely a changed boy!!! He had such a great time!! One of the first things he said to me was that he wanted to be a “Barnstormer” when he turned 13. (And he keeps telling me over and over again that he wants to go back next year and then be a Barnstormer the next). A Barnstormer is a younger volunteer at Camp Blessing that helps during meal times and with activities. For him to serve in that role at such a young age is so incredible and I’m so very proud of him that he wants to do it, too bad he has to wait another summer.

My very favorite thing for him was that he got to see Spencer in a different light. You see we have come to realize that Spencer is probably the most “popular” kid at camp. (Those are Parker’s words.) I think P felt really special that his brother was a camp favorite and that everyone was so in love with him.  Parks now realizes that Spencer is in fact “cool” and he is really proud to be his brother. Before camp, I think he just saw him as somewhat "helpless" and a "bother". Don’t get me wrong, he loves Spencer, but Parker always sees us having to do things for Spencer, make special accommodations for Spencer, and listen to Spencer scream when he doesn't get his way. He often thinks things are "unfair" when Spencer gets more time on the video game, doesn't get "in trouble" when he screams in public.  But for him to see so many people pour out so much love for Spencer and be genuinely in love with him, made him stop and think “hmm, my borther is one cool dude.” 

Another cool thing happened on the drive home….Parker is generally annoyed with Spencer in the car, (because Louie is usually screaming about something: driving by a car wash, water fountain in a lake or any other sort of water thing that he wants or he’s pissed that his DVD player has run out of juice). But on the way home, I had bought Peej a pack of Now n Later’s (our favorite candy) and the first thing he said was “mom can Spencer have one”. SHOCKED!! “Yes, of course he can, that’s really nice of you Parks.”

Parker is such a really cool, amazing kid and to see him grow in this way makes me so very proud of him!  I can't seem to put into words how their relationship has changed, but it has, it's just different now.  Maybe more love, more respect, more compassion (okat that's going out on a limb..HA!).  Parker got a Facebook account after camp so he can stay in touch with his friends and there have been quiet a few pictures posted of the boys.  (You can see most of them through my Facebook page).  Parker commented on some pictures of Spencer.. "love u forever" "I loved camp and my brother".  Here's a picture of Parker praying with his cabin during the "Cross Carry"....

We were home from Camp Blessing for less than 24hrs before the boys and I headed to Ft. Worth for the weekend. I left Parker there on Sunday to stay with his Grammy and Craw for a week at TCU Basketball camp. He had a great time and his teams came in second in the 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 tournaments. He absolutely LOVES TCU and is stoked they are in the CWS (sorry Longhorn fans)!! He spent the evenings at the golf course with his Craw where he got his first EAGLE!!! He was sooooo excited!! He came home this past Friday night, got all his clothes washed and packed back up for his next adventure. We dropped him off yesterday afternoon at Pine Cove in Columbus, TX. I can’t wait to see how God will continue to work on him this next week at camp!!

Parker comes back home on Saturday and starts the Dan Miller Basketball Camp at Seven Lakes High School next week. Then we finally head out for our family vacation on the 4th. Should be fun and relaxing visiting with Mike’s family and hanging out on the beach in North Carolina! Such a beautiful part of the country!

Spencer has somewhat settled back into his usual routine of school and back on the diet. I plan to follow up with a second post about Spencer’s time at Blessing, because it was equally amazing!!

Until next time...grace, peace, hope, love and prayers!

T

Each camper is given an award at the end of camp and a special Bible verse chosen by their counselor.  He was given the "Bravery" award which totally fits him, and here's the verse that was chosen for him... 

Psalm 31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.