Baseball Medal and A Grand Slam Meal - Week of Oct. 5th

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” ~Henry David Thoreau 

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward 

Some days feel less like a schedule and more like a juggling act. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, community events, and a growing list of choices that all seem equally important, the day becomes a constant exercise in decision-making. 

What time should we leave? Which event deserves our attention? What can wait until tomorrow? Decision fatigue is real, and on days packed with multiple events, it can feel like every choice, big or small, requires more energy than it should. 

Yet somehow, we keep all the balls in the air, doing our best to be present where we are needed most.

Saturday morning, Chris volunteered and attended the Annual Lori's Voice Walk. At the exact same time, Cam was playing his final West Michigan Miracle League game of the fall 2026 season.  After the final player comes into home plate, each participant receives a medal from their coach.  It couldn't have been a nicer day to close out the season!

 That afternoon, Jane picked up her best childhood friend Leslie, from the GR airport.  Chris and Cam met them at the cottage.  Early in the evening, we made our way to see cousins for a Canadian Thanksgiving celebration.  Everyone chipped in and Max kept Cam very entertained explaining a funny miscommunication that happened at his work.  We all had the privilege of witnessing a magnificent Lake Michigan sunset.

Sunday was a continuation of the unseasonably nice weather.  We took the time to snap some photos with Leslie and our family.  

Pictures are a way to remind us of a moment in time, but also the feeling we had in those moments.

Sometimes, it seems silly to have so many photos, but we also know that it is a way to safeguard our memories and remind us how special they are.

Camology Quotes:

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a powerful choice we all have to make.  Cam struggles with this and went back and forth about participating in his ball game or the non-profit walk.  Due to this, his parents tell Cam he is waffling. They typically ask him if he's hungry for the breakfast staple. In one such conversation this week, he retorted with:

"I do not want waffles, but I want to do both things!"

Welcome to Fall - Week of Sept. 28

 “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”  ~Jim Bishop 

In the book "Anne of Green Gables" Anne Shirley states "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

In Michigan, the commencement of the fall season shows its true colors. We welcomed in October this week and it seemed that the trees were suddenly, yet subtly showing signs of yellow, orange and red hues.  When we turn the calendar into this month, our home up on the hill has the best view of some really spectacular sunrises.

This week, Cam continued to acclimate to his work schedule.  He was at Beer City Dog Biscuits and also part of Brew Crew.  The Brew Crew is the coffee shop located inside the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center which is connected to the Transition Center building.  The "joke" on Cam's sign reads "Why wasn't the geometry teacher at school? Because she sprained her Angle!"  Cameron is really attempting to laugh at this joke 😉

When Friday arrived, we were all ready for the weekend.  Cam's baseball game on Saturday brought another perfect fall day.  Our friend, Stephanie (who's known Cam since grade school) arrived to cheer him on.  The two chatted for quite some time and caught up on current mutual friends.

Cam loves sending her random text messages from his iPad.

They always make each other laugh.

After a few hours of relaxation back at home, we were ready to welcome our dinner guests, Mr. Matt and Ms. Jill.  Jill brought her service dog, Tarzan, without his working vest so that we all had the benefit of petting him.  Our group had a mix of grilled chicken and steak, twice-baked potatoes, veggies and garlic bread.  For dessert, we had homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, compliments of Matt's mom along with Culver's custard ice cream.  These gatherings are always fun and we've made a point to play a game each time.

Sunday afternoon, we made our way northward to check on the cottage and see cousins.

Lake Michigan in the fall season takes on different hues of blue as it inches itself towards the cooler season.

Cam has continued to spend time on the deck "device-free" to listen to the lake and relax.  It's a habit we can all champion and put on repeat!

Camology Quotes:

As a family, we help each other remember those things that are needed in our daily lives.  On the weekends, Cam appreciates having chocolate milk with his lunch.  Jane was fairly certain it was all gone and indicated that to her son.  However, in the back of the garage refrigerator, a lone container was found.  Cam was pretty excited and told Jane:

"Wow, Mom- you're the bomb.com!  Not really a bomb, but the website kind, ok?"

We All Benefit - Week of Sept. 21st

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." ~Pablo Picasso 

Maya Angelou is quoted as saying "When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed." Thursday, we had the privilege of attending the 5th Be Benefit that brought together people from all over the Grand Rapids area around a shared purpose: making a difference. 

The fundraiser was organized by Miss Jenny, Brody's mom.  Brody and Cam have been best buds since kindergarten.  Cam loves volunteering for the Brody's Be Cafe in Ada.  Oma was with us to attend and Jane and her son served as greeters.

While the event raised critical support for an important cause, it also served as a reminder that generosity creates a ripple effect. When we invest our time, resources, and compassion in helping others, the impact reaches far beyond those receiving assistance. In many ways, we all benefit through stronger communities, deeper connections, and the shared belief that positive change is possible when we come together.

Cameron rallied and made it to his Transition Center program the next morning.  We enjoyed an early takeout dinner with Oma and then made our way downtown to check out ArtPrize. 

ArtPrize 2026 is Grand Rapids' annual international public art competition and festival. 

The 2026 event runs September 18 through October 3, 2026.  Some highlights: Art is displayed throughout downtown Grand Rapids in parks, museums, businesses, restaurants, and public spaces, creating a citywide gallery. The event is free to attend and typically attracts around 900,000 visitors. Artists from around the world participate, and visitors can vote for their favorite entries using the ArtPrize app/web platform. Both public vote and juried awards are given, including major grand prizes. More than 150 venues across downtown Grand Rapids host artwork during the festival.  

Our family, including Oma, began our art journey at the Gerald R. Ford Public Museum.  From there, we took a pedestrian bridge to The Amway Grand Plaza and saw more art along the way.  Cam's favorite was the robot outside of the museum.  Jane loved the woman and cat with bubbles, Chris liked the wooden dragon and Oma loved the Mackinac Bridge replica built with over 21,000 pieces of plastic.

Saturday morning, we were off again, headed to Cam's WMML baseball game on a beautiful sunshine day.  And we were welcomed by the warmth of so many Cam Fans!

Our longtime neighbors, Patti and Steve, along with Cam's former teachers, Ms. Kathy (and husband, Kevin) and Ms. Barbara were in full force.  Ms. Cris (former aide) and her daughter Mary Jo (former Cam Care) both arrived as well!  

Having Oma with us capped off a perfect game ⚾

Afterwards, we headed to the nearby Culver's to share lunch with Patti and Steve.  Oma treated us to our meal and we all agreed that we really packed in the activities during her visit with us.  Simply put, We All Benefit from our time with each other!

Camology Quotes:

There are many things that Cam has to wait for...assistance with an activity, insurance approvals, opening a door without accessibility...and the list goes on.  He has realized something about himself as he announced to his parents this week:

"Patience is a virtue I am good at!"

Program Perks - Week of Sept. 14th

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ~C.S. Lewis 

Starting something new often feels like standing at the edge of the unknown, equal parts excitement and uncertainty. 

The first week is rarely perfect, but as the days unfold and routines begin to take shape, what once felt unfamiliar gradually becomes comfortable. 

Along the way, small victories, new connections, and unexpected lessons reveal the brighter side of the journey, reminding us that growth often begins just outside our comfort zone.  

For Cam, it can be a challenge to settle in but he has tackled the Transition Center program just like most things with an open mind and patience.

In addition to a new schedule, Cam is adjusting to grocery shopping on Mondays, helping preparing his lunch daily, working at job sites and getting to know other young adults and helpers.

Cameron has also noted that the Transition Center also brings some major advantages...

On Friday, the crew took a bus out to Miss Jenna's farm!  The weather cooperated and everyone enjoyed a fun day with the animals and learning more about typical farming activities.

The rain was in full force on Saturday and Cam's WMML morning baseball game was canceled due to strong winds and occasional lightning.  We did
have a nice visit with Miss Kaylee in the afternoon.

Kaylee has been a part of our Cam care team for more than ten years.  

She is relocating to Traverse City for work but she'll be back to visit over school breaks and holidays.

We will miss her smiling face and her fun stories.

The remainder of our weekend was spent around the house, working on a few home projects and catching up on personal paperwork, thanks to Cam and his ability to keep both of his parents on task.

We spotted these turkeys in our backyard on Sunday.  Somehow, they seem a bit oblivious to the fact that Thanksgiving isn't too far away!

Camology Quotes:

As a family, we were talking about a situation where people don't like to be surprised by unexpected news if it was known by someone else.  Cam summed it up this way.

"If you don't tell someone something ahead of time and then they find out, it is opening a 50,000 can of worms!"

It's A Victory - Week of Sept. 7th

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." ~Mahatma Gandhi 

Inclusion is more than a goal. It is a commitment to ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate and contribute. Programs offering inclusive activities empower individuals to explore new interests, build friendships, and experience the joy of being part of a community that welcomes and supports everyone.

Through the Transition Center Program, Cam was invited to attend Victory Day at Forest Hills Eastern High School. With participation capped at 20 people, he registered and was selected to attend.

At Forest Hills Public Schools, Victory Day touchdowns are part of a unified, district-wide community tradition rather than an exclusive Forest Hills Eastern High School standalone milestone.

Friday evening, we arrived about the same time as Brody and his mom.  Once the guys had their jerseys on, pizza was distributed to the participants much to their relief, since they didn't have to wait until afterwards for their dinner.  Chris hilariously folded up paper plates and put them under Cam's jersey to create shoulder pads.  He did remove them before they all took the field.  Each Victory Day "player" catches a passed football and then proceeds fifty yards down the field to score a touchdown!

The district had a pro photographer snapping pics and these two photos were posted to the Forest Hills Public Schools social media pages... (A big thanks to Miss Stephanie and Miss Cris for alerting us to the upload). We couldn't have asked for better weather or a better community to cheer on these individuals!

Saturday kicked off the first game of the 2026 Fall West Michigan Miracle League (WMML) season.  Cameron's team was Ole Miss with our famous Coach Mark and his son Zach.  Once again, the weather cooperated and we were treated to a sunny baseball game.  The batting box that Cam uses was back in action.  The GVSU women's softball team were on deck to volunteer and assist our players.

For the remainder of the weekend, we checked on things at the cottage and enjoyed some outdoor time on the deck.  The sunsets never disappoint on Lake Michigan.  We were able to spend a bit of time with extended family and enjoyed our visit with cousin David.

With summer on its way out, the beach shares its quiet solitude with us, preparing for what we hope, is not a long winter.

Camology Quotes:

Every Thursday evening, Cam is a participant in the Ability Athletes exercise class that takes place at Ada Valley Cross Fit.  Sometimes, when he arrives, his friends are talking very loudly and shouting.  Upon arrival, he indicated:

"This is Ada Valley LOUD Fit!"

Device Free - Week of Aug.31st

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ~Buddha

Whenever something new and unique can be experienced, it's always a bonus when it can be shared with others.  

Wednesday evening, Cam and his mom were invited to the Sweet Nectar Shop in Ada for a candle-making class with friends. The experience began by Cam and his buddies selecting their favorite vessel for the candle from their collection of designs. Next up was the wick being placed.

The fragrance choice was the hardest decision!  They use only 100% natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils that are free from phthalates, Proposition 65-listed ingredients, organ toxins, and acute toxins. Every candle is vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted using the highest ingredient standards for a clean, beautiful burn.

After pouring the wax and adding the chosen fragrance, the candle cures for approximately three hours before it's ready for pickup. 

Thursday was a rainy day as was evident when Cam left his Transition Center program that afternoon. That evening, Ms. Ann arrived to have some time with her buddy while Chris and Jane were off to see "The Odyssey" movie in the IMAX theater.  Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids North is one of only 40 theaters on the planet that is capable of projecting a movie on a real, full frame IMAX 70MM film.

Friday was a day off from work and school programs.  

We picked up Oma in Grand Haven and made our way to the cottage for the next three nights!  

The sunset that evening was so colorful.  It truly mimicked Cam's unique candle creation we had picked up that afternoon.

Saturday was windy on the beach and the flies bothered us a bit, but it was still mostly sunny.  Early in the evening, we gathered with cousins to share a meal.  Cousin David had flown in from Texas and Cam was eager to update him on all of the happenings.

David was able to meet our newest cousin.  Jane and her son had their turn hanging out with the latest addition as well.  

Our dinner of homemade carbonara, garlic bread and fresh fruit was so delicious.  However, the dessert was the shining star- homemade tiramisu!  

Sunday was one of our best beach days 😎

We all had some time in Lake Michigan with the water temps in the mid 70s.

The shade tent offered some relief for everyone and always leads to funny conversations.  We were so happy Oma was there with us to enjoy the sun and fun.  We even saw the coast guard helicopter go by.

The time together always seems to go by so quickly.  Labor Day weekend is our unofficial farewell to summer. Hopefully, we will have a few more outings to our Lake Michigan shoreline before the drastic change of seasons.

Camology Quotes:

Sunday morning, the sun was already shining. Cam surprised everyone when he made a special request to head out on the porch solo.  

Jane offered to attach his desk and iPad so he could entertain himself.  

His immediate response:

"No thanks. I want to go Device-Free!"

Making a Transition - Week of Aug. 24th

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality." ~Lao Tzu 

A transition is defined as the process or period of changing from one state, form, or condition to another.  

Alan Watts is quoted as saying "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." 

Wednesday marked the beginning of a new chapter for Cam.

He woke up at 5:45am ready to attend his first day of a new program in his continuing education.

The Forest Hills Transition Center is a supportive, student-centered program designed for young adults with developmental disabilities who are preparing for life after high school. The goal is to help students build the skills and confidence they need to move toward greater independence at home, in the community, and in the workplace once school-based services are complete. The Transition Center program serves students up to age 26.  

It was an eventful first day for Cam settling in.  

After he arrived home, we were on way northward to see cousins visiting from the east coast and have dinner together.  It was a beautiful evening.  Our grilled meal tasted like summer.  Everyone was excited to hear about Cam's first day of continuing ed.

Friday marked another first for Cameron.

We had tickets to see a concert at Fredrick Meijer Gardens outdoor amphitheater.  This was Cam's inaugural experience at the outside venue.  Chris was dropped off first to secure the location for viewing, since it is first come, first served.  Jane and her son arrived about 30 minutes later.

The artist, Myles Smith, is newer to the music scene and is best known for his 2024 hits, Stargazing and Nice to Meet You.  He's 28 years old and taught himself to play guitar and piano and started performing at the age of 12.  He holds a degree in sociology but has said that music is his passion.  In 2025, he was an opening act for Ed Sheeran.

Cam was a little hesitant about the experience, wondering if it would be too loud.  When the first singer appeared, the excitement grew and Cam's concerns were all removed.  The concert began at 7pm and didn't finish until after 9:30p.  The energy was electric and Myles Smith had a sold out show!

We remained until the very end.  The only disappointment for the concert newbie was how crazy it was trying to exit the parking lot.  Cam decided that some of the other drivers were not being nice and he called out some rude ones from his vantage point in our van.

Our trip north for the weekend was relaxing.  Once again, we shared dinner with our extended family and friends.  Our beach time was not as long as we had hoped, but even a bit of time is better than zero time! 

Camology Quotes:

On Tuesday evening, we were invited to an open house at the Transition Center.  Upon arrival, Cam was recognized by one of the teachers his mom didn't know.  It turns out, that teach was a summer session instructor many years ago.  Cam later relayed to his parents that evening:

"It always pays off knowing a teacher even if it's just for a very short time!"

Just Nineteen, You Know What I Mean - Week of Aug. 17th

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault

You only have one birthday per year.  Nowhere does it say you have to celebrate it on a single day. 

Monday was Cameron's official birthday!  His request was to celebrate with his parents, grandma and cousins.  He opened presents from Chris and Jane and Oma before heading out.

Late in the afternoon, we packed up Cam's bday dinner along with three mini ice cream cakes of his choosing from Cold Stone Creamery.  

It was a beautiful evening to share a meal, sing the traditional birthday song and sample delicious desserts!  When it was time for our crew to drive back to GR, the cousins made certain Cam's chair was locked in safely in the van.

Wednesday's mail brought a special gift from Grandma Sue.  The Amazon card allowed him to purchase a new magnetic shirt which is a personal favorite.

Cam and his dad drove Oma back to her home that day.  On their journey, they encountered the drawbridge raised going into Grand Haven.  

Although it adds a bit of time to the trip, it's always cool to see the mechanics of the process to raise and lower the enormous structure.

Another surprise arrived in the mail from Auntie Leslie.  

She always tells Cam that his laughter is one of his most special qualities.  When the two of them crack each other up, it definitely results in hilarity every time.  

The t-shirt Leslie sent says "Chicken Game- Don't Look at the Chicken...*picture of a chicken with 'Game Over' written'" 😁

One last birthday surprise awaited Cam on Friday.  He and his best bud, Brody, wanted to share a Culver's lunch before starting their extended schooling year at the Transition Center.  

Brody's mom graciously picked up a meal for them both.  

Cameron's request of cod and pretzel bites was fairly unique.  

The buddies shared some stories and laughter.  Brody wrote out a very nice birthday card for Cam and gave him a Culver's gift card!  

We drove up to the cottage both Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday afternoon, we were preparing for cousins to stay for the following week.  

Sunday was our beach day with family.  

Even though it was incredibly windy, the sunshine found a way to warm us all.  

Cam's beach chair made it possible for some time in the lake.  

Once again, we shared an outdoor meal with our cousins before making our way back home.

The multiple trips were well worth the time spent since we only see some of our extended family one time during the year.

As summer continues to inch closer to it's ending, the memories outweigh everything else.

Cam successfully found a way to celebrate his birthday almost every day this week!

Camology Quotes:

Corny jokes (or "dad jokes") are typically attempted by Cam as well as Chris.  Cam even tries to rate his own jokes on occasion.

"When you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, he gives your teeth wisdom! That's a kneeslapper, ha ha!"

Making A Tradition - Week of Aug. 10th

"Today's random idea is tomorrow's cherished family tradition." ~Anonymous 

The word tradition comes from the Latin traditio, meaning "a handing over" or "a passing down," which in turn comes from tradere meaning "to hand over, deliver, or transmit."

We have come to realize that Cameron loves tradition.  The expected is a bonus for him and the knowledge of a positive experience happening again and again is a huge plus.

The time spent in North Carolina is the beginning of a new tradition for us.  It is the only "Cam-accessible" home we have ever stayed in since we typically need to book a hotel reservation to have the space and accommodations required. Our return trip from North Carolina on Monday was met with a surprise at the end of our driveway.  During our time away, excessive rain had pushed all of our driveway rocks to the very end.  Cam and his dad were on clean-up duty Tuesday morning gathering all the small stones.  Despite the arduous task, we received amazing news late in the afternoon which cemented yet another tradition...

One of our cousins, who has always been like a sibling, was due with her fourth child during our time in N.C. We've met each of her babies within a day of their birth.  

Thankfully, we were back in Michigan for the arrival and surprise gender reveal.  

Less than 24 hours after the birth, we made our way north to meet the new addition.  Tradition secured...

We were fairly shocked to learn she had a girl.  

The bigger news, though, was that they chose to name her after Cam's mom!

Saturday morning, Chris and his son were off to pick up a lawnmower part at an authorized John Deere dealer.  While they were there, they explained how the lawnmower is converted into a snowblower in the winter to clean off the long driveway so Cam can make his journey down for his bus ride.  The guy they were chatting with decided Cam needed a John Deere hat so he'd remember their store.

Oma joined our family on Sunday afternoon to stay with us for a few days.  In the early evening, we welcomed our friends Matt and Jill for a shared dinner.  Cam's grandma was happy to be there for the occasion.  One additional guest was Jill's service dog, Tarzan.  When Tarz isn't wearing his "working vest" he is allowed to receive attention from everyone.  Matt and Jill both presented Cam with Culver's-inspired gifts- the Culver's soccer ball, the burger mascot and gift card.

We created a mini celebration for Cam's bday one day early! 

Our traditions are growing in number and the common theme is the shared experiences with our family and friends.  

We challenge you to start a new tradition too!

Camology Quotes:

As technology continues to evolve in our household, father and son recently enhanced our home assistant app so that Cam could control the opening and closing of the garage door from his iPad.

"I can control the garage now, Mom. You won't need to do anything!"

*Chris comment: "he is my new automation and is doing a much better job than my A.I."