Hardware Out ~ Giving Thanks In - Week of Nov. 19th

Time passes so slowly if you are unaware of it and so quickly if you are aware of it. ~Marc Bolan

It doesn't seem possible that Cam's hip dislocation surgery was more than 18 months ago.  The hardware embedded has been a part of his healing process.  Like all other challenges, he has sported a good attitude and positive outlook throughout.
We scheduled the hardware removal surgery two days before Thanksgiving, knowing he would miss only one day of school.  The surgeon had told us from the beginning the hardware would only serve the purpose of keeping everything in place while it fused together.  Since Cam is still growing, it isn't possible to remain there.

An early Tuesday morning arrival at 6am kicked us off as we awaited Cam's expected 7:30am surgical entrance.  We were happy to hear things were running on schedule and our brave boy indicated he was fine to go into the surgery room by himself, without his parents.  A big step for a kid who has had either Mom or Dad with him each time he's gone under anesthesia.  All went well and we were home late that afternoon.
A delicious edible arrangement arrived from Auntie Jo and buddy Will just in time to perk us all up.  Many thanks for the healthy, sweet treat!

This recovery for Cam proved so much easier than the first go around and on Thanksgiving Day, he was ready for a turkey feast!  The morning began with Opa and his grandson making the delicious homemade stuffing, as they do each year together.  Chris and Cam had reserved a 23-lb turkey from a local farm store to be stuffed.  One might wonder if we had any leftovers with 6 people at dinner...well, yes, we actually did.

Oma and Opa as well as Ms. Ann were present at our table of thankfulness.  We picked up this turkey decoration complete with paper feathers to write on.  Cam, with Oma's help, filled out many of them before dinner was ready.  A collaborative effort brought us an enormous stuffed turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade cranberry relish and homemade gravy, as well as crescent rolls.
After dinner, we were all so full, we opted to delay dessert by an hour.  Ms. Ann made pumpkin pie and Oma brought her apple pie.  Each of us had to try a sampling of both.  Chris opted for a little extra whipped cream on his sweet treats.
We talk about thankfulness quite a bit with Cam and how important it is to thank others.  It truly is a gift that costs nothing but has a lasting impact.
Surrounded by our family and friends (we refer to as our family) is the perfect way to celebrate the harvest festival.

On Friday, we finished decorating the tree with Oma and braved an outing with Cam late in the afternoon to the outlet mall.  Our 11-year-old was a trooper and for his first official field trip since surgery he made it through with flying colors.  Oma, Cam and his mom promptly rewarded themselves with a sweet hot chocolate drink after our single store purchases.  Getting through the store was a faster excursion than our exit off of the highway.
We said goodbye to Cam's grandparents on Saturday, most thankful for their time and company.

We dined on breakfast for dinner with our Raisch family on Sunday enjoying delicious homemade pancakes and all of the fixings.  We met Sarah's friend, Ryan, for the first time and he graciously offered to take an aerial shot of our dining experience.  A big thumbs up from our crew.

There is so much and so many to be thankful for.  As JFK once said:"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

Camology Quotes:

Cam and our cat, Stella share a pretty special relationship.  Stella was a part of our home one year before Cam.  When Cam arrived, she watched over him, protecting him.  As some would say, like a lioness protecting her cub, with a growl to match.
Cam spent a few days on the couch after surgery, stretching his legs.  Stella needed a closer look.
"It's alright, Stella.  I'm okay, don't worry."

Perfectly Papa - Week of Nov. 12th

Well, hello Mr. Buck!

Mr. Buck enjoying the sunrise

Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?  ~"It's a Wonderful Life"

Cam has many aunts and uncles as well as extended family members known as Aunties and Uncles.  Ever since he was born, he has been fortunate to have grandparents.

Our next door neighbor and good friend of 17+ years, Mr. Ken, has become 'Papa' to Cam and in every sense of the word, he has been a grandpa to our son.  Sharing dinners and events, joys and difficulties has been a part of our family friendship. 
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just last month.  We asked him what he wanted us to tell Cam about his health.  "Just tell him I'm sick and that's all," he said.
When we took Cam over the hill to see Papa on Saturday, we had no way of knowing it would be Cam's last visit with him.  We brought Papa the pictures from the Halloween parade and he talked about how great it was to see his buddy as the grand marshal.  Papa told Cam he was so special to him and would be forever.  He also told him he was his favorite 11-year-old.
Papa gave our family the gift of his friendship and love and also brought us closer to his own kids and grandkids.
His children have become Cam's aunts and uncles and his granddaughter, Amanda, continues to watch over Cam after school and some weekend evenings.  It is because of Amanda that our son spent so much time with Papa.  Outings to Culver's and baking treats became a common occurrence.  Their bond continued to grow.


Ken is one of the kindest, gentlest, most humble men we have had the honor and privilege of knowing.  If you were with him in the community, someone would approach him with heartfelt greetings.  You could listen to him tell stories for hours of when he was a police officer, detective, unofficial neighborhood president, tour bus driver, painter, and the list goes on.  His favorite job was most definitely that of husband to Mickie (also known as Nina to the grandkids), father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

When we told Cam that Papa was too tired for another visit on Sunday, Cam asked "Can't Uncle Jim (Ken's son-in-law) just carry Papa to our house?"

Sunday afternoon lounging

Cam asked many questions about Papa and was processing what was going to happen and announced his own conclusion.
"Papa will be next to Nina and he will go to heaven."

Ken/Papa obituary link

Camology Quotes:

Chris and Jane attended Cam's conferences at school on Monday.  We talked about what is being worked on, areas for improvement, and the positive aspects of our son's learning.
His teacher commented how kind he is with his classmates and others and indicated he is one of the kindest kids she's ever known.  We shared the report with Cam when we arrived home.  
"Oh, that is so sweet!"

Calling Captain America - Week of Nov. 5th

“I'm with you until the end of the line.” ~Captain America

Cam was more than ready to return to school on Monday!  There was even a substitute teacher who just happened to be in a chair too, and the sub's chair went into the standing position.  Cam thought it was pretty cool and definitely wants a power chair like that in the future.

As luck would have it, Northern Trails 5/6 school was hosting Superhero Day on Friday.  This was Cam's opportunity to bring his Halloween costume to school since it wasn't able to make its premiere in the neighborhood or anywhere else due to his illness last week.

Chris arrived first thing in the morning to assemble everything and turn on the lights.  Cam's teacher said they knew it would be a cool costume but they didn't realize just how awesome it looked in person.  The students formed a human tunnel for Cam to go through and our kiddo couldn't have been more excited!  He told his parents how special it made him feel.
Even though it was well after Halloween, a parade of sorts still took place and the fact that our kiddo had chosen a superhero turned out to be the perfect choice.

While Cam was celebrating at school, his mom was traveling to Miami for the wedding of Brandon and Eden.  Brandon and his family are very special to Jane since she babysat Brandon, Greg and Lauren for many years.  The weather was balmy and bright in Miami and simultaneously, the snow was flying back in Michigan.

Cam's 5th grade pic!

Feeling a bit of cabin fever on Saturday, Chris and his son took a mile + stroll in the chilly weather.

When Jane's flight landed on Sunday, Cam's dad captured his reaction.  Even though it felt amazing to soak up the sun and be surrounded by love, there is no better feeling than being welcomed home by your family.

District News Article!

Camology Quotes:

On Friday evenings, Cam and Amanda typically venture to a drive-thru and dine at home.  Usually, Culver's is the chosen restaurant.  However, Amanda was saying that she had been thinking about Chick-Fil-A and that is where they ended up going.  When asked why Cam changed his mind...

"Amanda kept talking about Chick-Fil-A and she made me crave it!"

Thrive - Week of Oct. 29th

Mary Free Bed Gala Centerpiece

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. ~Maya Angelou

After a whirlwind month, it may have been inevitable that we were due for some sick days.  We just didn't expect an entire week!  Following a tough night of sleep Sunday eve, Cam's teacher called Jane after lunch on Monday saying Cam was coughing quite a bit and wanted to come home.  After a couple of sleepless nights, we called the pediatrician.  They indicated if he didn't improve, to bring him in Thursday a.m. for a check.

Our boy was anxious to return to school, but the cough was not subsiding.  It seemed that both Cam and our cat Stella would be couch-bound a bit longer.
We dropped off Chris at the airport Thursday morning for his flight to Florida to celebrate his good friend, Jordan's wedding.  Immediately following the airport run, Jane and her son went directly to the pediatrician office.  Cam was diagnosed with pneumonia and given a prescription.  Oma arrived that morning to provide much-needed help and grandma care as well as being a lifesaver:)
After the medication began to work, we started seeing improvement quickly.
However, Cam had missed bringing his costume to his dad's work on Tuesday and trick-or-treating on Wednesday for Halloween.  Cam did get to greet some friends and asked them to pick out candy and it was the first time he had ever done that!
On Saturday, Chris arrived home at 2pm and Cam was almost completely better!  That evening, Cam's parents attended the Mary Free Bed Gala to celebrate employees, patients and friends of MFB working to restore hope and freedom.  The theme of the evening was Thrive! and we all felt after surviving the week, it was exactly what we were doing.

Because Halloween actually fell on Wednesday, there was some news coverage devoted to our parade at Mary Free Bed. 

If you build it, they will come.  Build we did, and they just kept coming.

ABC National News Link!

GVSU Article Link


Camology Quotes:

At the doctor's office, Jane and Cam listened to the pediatrician tell them that whooping cough had been going around as well.  After leaving the office and getting in the van, Cam had an important question.
"Mom, what is the whoopee cough?"

(of course, Cam is the proud owner of a whoopee cushion which he somehow thought may be linked to this type of cough...)