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.

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.

They Call it Camp Blessing for a Reason

I know it’s been a very long time since I last updated, but things are moving so fast these days, it’s a miracle we get anything accomplished! But summer is finally here!! The kids have so much going on and so many cool adventures in the next few months I know it’s going to be a fantastic time!! I hope to be able to give more updates over the next few weeks as we venture through the summer!

This coming Sunday we drop the boys off at Camp Blessing (formerly known as Camp Barnabas). They are both really excited about going. The last few nights we have pulled out Spencer’s camp book from last summer and go through all the pictures and journal entries. He gets such a big smile on his face every time! We ask him if he wants to go to camp and he gets a huge grin and says “ess”. I can just tell by the look on his face he actually knows what we mean when we say “camp” and he truly is looking forward to it and is very excited!!

One of the neatest things this year is that Parker gets to go with him. They have one week each summer where the siblings of the special needs child can come along and they have activities just for them. I’m not really sure what to expect and neither is Parker. I have to admit I’m a little skeptical about sending him. He is a “seasoned” summer camper and has gone to Pine Cove in Tyler, Pine Cove in Columbus for 2 summer, Camp Allen in Navasota, Second Baptist Kids Camp and Second Baptist Next Level Camp. I’m sure it’s similar but these other camps are the “big guns” and cost a small fortune to send him. That being said, they are PACKED with so many activities that an ADD kid feels right at home! Anyway, we have been trying to tee him up for it and setting the expectation a little lower than what he is used to from Summer Camp. Last night we were in the car talking about summer plans and all the different camps he will be going to and he then started asking me about Spencer. It’s funny how an 11 year old thinks, he asked me “mom, since you and dad weren’t supposed to have kids because dad had cancer, is that why Spencer has Autism?” We had a long conversation about Autism and Spencer, why he has it, how his autism is different than some other kids. As we talked I realized, that Camp Blessing CAN give him one thing that all those other camps can’t--a broader view of people with disabilities, much farther reaching than what our family experiences.

What I pray for now and will continue to pray for over the next several days, is that Parker leaves camp "blessed" with a better understanding and appreciation for his brother, himself, our family and what it takes from all of us to raise Spencer up to be the most that he can be.

We are blessed, we are chosen, and it takes EVERYONE in Spencer’s life to help him and each other along the way.

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

T