Making Mom's Day - Week of May 4th

“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” ~Milton Berle

Mother's Day is said to have been founded by Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her mother's life and work after her mother's death in 1905.  She organized the first mother's day celebration in West Virginia in 1908.  Her vision was that it would be a personal day of appreciation with families expressing love through letters and time together.  In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as the national Mother's Day holiday.

Cam was ready for his second WMML baseball game on Saturday.  The 10:30a start time made for a leisurely morning.  It was picture day for the ball players so we needed to arrive a little early.  The women's Hamilton High School softball team were in full force volunteering as the helpers for the day.
The sun was peeking through the clouds during our game.

To our surprise, Uncle Jon and Aunt Betsy arrived with their dog, Blue to represent the Cam Fans!  Blue is such a friendly pet that one of the kids on the other team actually left the field to come and ask if he could meet the sweet dog.

Since the game ended before 11:30a, we thought it would fun to grab lunch at Culver's near the ballfield with out aunt and uncle.  To our great surprise, they had never eaten at a Culver's.  Cam was excited to introduce them to one of his favorite eateries. 

We didn't linger too long at the busy restaurant since we all had afternoon appointments.  Cam was destined for a haircut to be ready for his upcoming high school graduation!  After the trim, Cam told his dad that he wanted to pick up some flowers for his mom at the grocery store next door.  When they arrived back at the homestead, the beautiful plants were waiting on the counter.

Sunday morning, Chris and his son offered to take Jane out to breakfast for Mother's Day.  Cam's mom opted to have the morning meal picked up and brought home instead.  It made for a very relaxing start to the day.

That afternoon, father and son rebuilt a laptop for our neighbor while Jane relaxed.

Cameron wished his mom a Happy Mother's Day first thing in the a.m.  As she has often told her son, the only reason she can answer to the call of "mom" is because of him.  

And with every thanks that he utters and nice things he says, it definitely makes the most important job in the world one of gratefulness and gratitude.

Camology Quotes:

Cam's kindness shines through every day.  On Mother's Day morning, it sounded especially sweet.

"Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  You are such a great mom to me and I love you."

Spring into Prom - Week of Apr. 27th

“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” ~Harriet Jacobs

When the blooms start to gradually appear in our yard, the weight of the colder months seem so much lighter.

Cam decided he would attend the FHN Prom with his friend group.  The theme was Red Carpet/Old Hollywood.  The tux he wore for a wedding last summer was the perfect choice!  

Before the evening festivities, though, the start of the 2026 WMML Spring Season was scheduled for Saturday.  

Once again, Coach Mark heads up the team for Cam and Brody and many other friends.

They're playing for the Miami Marlins and we welcomed the 12:30p game time since it was still a bit chilly.

The helpers were from the Allendale Falcons Baseball team.

Upon arrival home, we were destined for a bit of down time.  Cam started getting ready late in the afternoon.  

The evening weather couldn't have been better.  It was sunny and slightly breezy.  It wasn't too warm or too cold.  

We met Cameron's friend group at our local library.  Directly across the adjacent private road was Noto's, the fine dining location for the FHN Prom.

The kids lined up waiting for entry was well over a hundred by the time Cam was at the door before 7p.  While the prom took place, Jane met Brody and Maddison's moms at Cooper's Hawk restaurant nearby.  In the meantime, Chris and Maddison's dad chose another location to hang out.

Jane picked up Cam just before 10pm.  He said the dinner of chicken, pasta and salad was so delicious.  Dessert was a chocolate mousse cupcake and was also praised by the high school senior.  Hanging out with his friends and celebrating on the dance floor made for a memorable night.

After sleeping in on Sunday, Cam and his dad found the Overdrive Tournament location and went to check out the power soccer chairs in action.  Cam was able to see his teammates but wasn't playing in this one.  Later that day, we made the short drive to Thornapple Covenant Church.  The Forest Hills Northern Baccalaureate service was scheduled for 4pm. The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) often hosts the Baccalaureate as a final celebratory gathering for seniors. Brody, Cam's best bud, had the honor of saying a prayer.  Auntie Jo joined us to celebrate her godson.  

The service included some beautiful singing solos by seniors and prayers for continued success in the next chapter for Cam and his fellow classmates.  As we check off each activity, graduation is now just around the corner!

Camology Quotes:

Seeking justice seems to be one of Cam's passions.  He arrived home from school talking about a distracted driver that almost hit the school bus.

"Mom, you need to call the police and we need Officer Ben from my high school to go find them!"

The Last Time - Week of Apr. 20th

“Everything we do is tinged with the knowledge that this may be the last time that we will do this, and that makes what we’re doing incredibly sweet.” ~John Banville

As Cam's senior year is racing to the finish line, we realized that many of the moments are truly the final opportunity to participate in certain activities.

Tuesday evening marked Cameron's last choir concert.  Mr. Wheaton has been such a true advocate for kids of all abilities.  At the close of the final song, the seniors were asked to gather on one side of the stage.  Each senior received a stuffed graduation bear and Brody received a lion, in honor of his adoration for Lion King.  The two buddies posed in front of the Huskies banner at the high school before heading out.

When Jane attended a board meeting at Renew Mobility, she didn't expect to be given a gift to bring home.  A community member had dropped off portable ramps as a donation.  Renew doesn't stock the ramps, so they insisted we use it if we could.  It is a simple piece of metal that offers accessibility for Cam to areas that he's never been able to access.  For the first time ever, he drove up onto the front porch of our home.  We are humbled and grateful for the unexpected present.

For our Saturday afternoon, we were off to see Ms. Amanda and her family and friends.  A "diaper drop off" open house was held in honor of the upcoming arrival of Amanda and Nick's first daughter.  This was an inaugural type of party for us all.  Cam was happy he was able to attend since Jane had been to two of her baby showers already.

After relaxing at home for a bit, we made our way to Liam's to celebrate his 18th birthday!  Cam has known Liam since preschool.  Liam chose two cakes for his bday dessert- chocolate and tiramisu, both of which came from Costco (one of Cam's favorite cake makers).  The kids all hung out together inside for a bit while Chris and Jane caught up with Liam's parents outside.

Sunday afternoon, the Weatherford family drove to the cottage to check on things and install a ceiling fan in one of the bedrooms.  It was a sunny afternoon but deceivingly chilly in the wind.
The sparkling sun on Lake Michigan had us all thinking about the summer fun yet to come!

Camology Quotes:

We've always known that Cam has excellent hearing. Sometimes his comments sound exactly like a parent.  When he mentioned to Jane that someone was outside because he heard a car door close, she asked him who it was, to which he responded with:

"Mom, I don't have eyes in the back of my head!"

Dinner Togetherness - Week of Apr. 13th

"Friends... are not measured by time, but by the moment they touch your heart." ~Henry David Thoreau

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "the only way to have a friend is to be a friend."  Cam and Brody practice this concept often.  On Tuesday, they had a day off of school due to underclassmen testing.  Brody and his mom arrived once again with lunch for Cam.  We all reviewed graduation party tasks and had fun catching up. 

Tuesday night, there was a bit of excitement when a tornado warning alert appeared on our devices after 10pm. It passed by without any touchdown near us.  Cam didn't even wake up and was quite surprised when the Alexa device announced it the next morning.

Our weekend was filled with friendship goodness and reminiscing.

Neighbors Steve and Patti, along with neighbors Craig and Cara, who still live "close by" all gathered at our home Friday evening.  Originally, our group was destined for a restaurant, but we all felt it was easier (and cheaper) to meet up at our house and share the evening with Cam.

When each pair brings a portion of the meal, it sure makes for simple preparation and delicious food.

Everyone contributed and we all agreed that it was so nice to dine outside and actually be able to hear each other conversations versus a busy restaurant.

We're so connected to these people.  On Saturday, we had the benefit of welcoming two of Steve and Patti's daughters.  First up was Emma who stopped by in the afternoon.  She is heading out on a mission trip in May and wanted to share all of the details.  Emma is like an older sister to Cam.  We have countless pictures and these are just a couple of our favorites along with present day.

Sarah, Emma's older sister, her husband and baby son arrived for an early dinner.  They also had news to share.  In May, they'll be moving east for a camp director job so this was our last chance to gather as a group.

We dined on grilled steaks, roasted potatoes and veggies.  Sarah made a delicious cake with strawberries for dessert.

With many we are so close to, there can be long lapses in between times we see each other.  Oscar Wilde said "Ultimately the bond of all companionship is conversation."  How true it is.

Camology Quotes:

Cam is always observant.  He also calls out an injustice when he sees it. After exiting the van, he noticed that the person next to us had parked over the handicap lines and promptly indicated:

"I think that should be illegal!"

Spring in Your Step - Week of Apr. 6th

"It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart." ~Rainer Maria Rilke

When the seasons change in Michigan, at first, it is subtle.  Small buds appear and nature seems to slowly awakening from its winter slumber.  There is a tree in our backyard that alerts us each year to the true onset of spring.  The weeping cherry only blooms for a few days so if you blink, you may miss it.  

Cam enjoyed spring break this week.  He was able to spend two quality days with Ms. Amanda.

It was also the perfect opportunity for Brody and his mom to come over one afternoon.  We had a group task to complete.  

Cam and Brody have attended school together since kindergarten.  Chris and Jane have explained to their son that it is a rarity to be with the same friends for all twelve years of schooling.  The boys have many friends in common as well as teachers and others in the community.  Our families decided it was a great idea to have a joint graduation party.   

Jane and Jenny (Brody's mom) encouraged their sons to make all of the decisions for the invitation that was created on the Walgreen's photo site.

As an extra bonus, Jenny brought Culver's for both of the boys.
It was a very productive meet-up.  

As a group, we finalized the invitations, created a parking sign and one collage board of photos.

Thursday evening, Chris headed to Detroit for a weekend of walleye fishing with the guys.  

Cam and his mom drove to pick up Oma on Saturday morning.  They had a small list of things to do including a run to Costco and a trip to a shoe store.

The milder weather made outdoor strolls mandatory.  Cam and his grandma went down the long driveway and completed their sweep of the cul-de-sac before heading back to the house.

We found a couple of comedic movies to watch in the comfort of home.  The Guess In 10 game is a family favorite we play to see if the other person can guess which animal is on the card.

Oma was able to chat with her grandson about a graduation gift and together they chose something and placed the order online.  We drove Cam's grandma back to her home Sunday afternoon.  When Jane and son made it back to Grand Rapids, Chris was unpacking his truck and unloading his fish.

Fortunately for the Weatherford fam, we all love fresh fish, especially walleye. 

A delicious fish fry rounded out our Sunday evening and we will be sure to add that meal into regular rotation until our supply is depleted!

Camology Quotes:

One evening, Jane and her son had salads for dinner.  Cam's had cut-up breaded chicken.  Jane decided she would add her cooked salmon (unbreaded) to hers.  After she announced what she was doing, Cam's comment was:

"Ok Mom, I won't judge you."

Take a Seat - Week of Mar. 30th

"A true friend encourages us, comforts us, supports us like a big easy chair." ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

Niels Diffrient is an ergonomics designer and has said, “Why would you design something if it didn’t improve the human condition?”

Providing truly comfortable seating for a wheelchair user is invaluable. For Cam, it's been a six-month wait for his customized cushion.

Using Ride Designs’ process with the Custom Accusoft cushion ensures that seating is built around the individual—not forced to fit them. By first capturing the user’s exact shape with Ride’s bead bag and vacuum tools, then translating that shape into a precise digital model with a state‑of‑the‑art 3D scanner, every contour is preserved for optimal pressure distribution and postural support. 

It seems a bit unbelievable that the appointment for simply replacing a cushion would last two hours.  Once the new seat was in place it meant that all of the other components associated- side laterals, hip guides, foot plates and knee blocks all needed adjusting.  Upon exiting, Cam could already feel a difference in the new and improved comfort.

Oma joined us on Saturday so that we would all be together for Easter. Sunday morning, we attended Thornapple Covenant Church for the beautiful church service.  The trumpet and trombone accompanying the live music were a surprise addition.

Back at home, we finished making deviled eggs and setting out some appetizers.  Our cousins arrived in the early afternoon wearing their Sunday best.  

We were introduced to the EggMazing battery-operated egg decorator.  Coco explained how simple it was to use.  By turning it on, the egg spins and all you do is place the included markers on the egg itself.  The designs come together so quickly!  Cam thought it was one of the coolest things he's seen!  

Our group dined on flank steak, shrimp and ham for our main course, along with scalloped potatoes, vegetables and rolls.  Fresh fruit rounded out the meal.

Easter is one of those moments that gently reminds us what matters most—being together. Sharing a meal, laughter, and familiar traditions with family creates a sense of warmth and gratitude that lingers long after the day is over. In the simplicity of togetherness, Easter becomes less about the schedule and more about the joy of connection, reflection, and making memories with the people we love.

Camology Quotes:

This week, our local cable company removed a channel that mom and son frequently record shows on. Cam has been checking daily and disappointed that there's been no change.  When his dad asked if he thought the channel may be gone for good, his curt reply was:

"I'm afraid so!"

A New Toy - Week of Mar. 23rd

"The greatest achievement of technology is not how it changes life, but how it improves it.”  ~Satya Nadella 

With spring's official arrival, the neighborhood deer have been visiting frequently, appearing in the front yard as well.

Arriving at our doorstep this week was a new 3D printer, aka "a new toy."

A 3D printer is an additive manufacturing machine that creates three-dimensional, solid objects from digital designs by laying down, or printing, successive thin layers of material (like plastic, metal, or resin). Often operating like a precision, robot-controlled hot glue gun, it builds items from the bottom up, allowing for complex, customized, and lightweight parts.

Creating items with a 3D printer helps fill the gaps where mass-produced products fall short. When replacement parts, custom tools, or niche accessories aren’t readily available—or no longer manufactured—3D printing makes it possible to design and produce exactly what’s needed, right when it’s needed. 

The first project for father and son looked like three pieces of a curved train track.  It wasn't until the pieces were locked together that the curvature card holder took shape.  Cam was so excited when he saw the finished product on the dining room table.

On Sunday, we made our way to the Downtown Market for lunch.  The Market features 20 different indoor artisan food vendors, restaurants and a bustling market hall full of unique gifts and offerings.

As we made our way around the area, we had a surprise for Cameron.  His cousins were headed to the same location and we had not told him.  He was super happy to see everyone!  

We had fun exploring and catching up for a bit before heading out later in the afternoon.

It's always fun to surprise Cam because his pure joy reactions cannot be duplicated and are always genuine!

Camology Quotes:

PSA: When watching TV shows or movies with Cam, be prepared to pause. Not only does he ask appropriate questions, but sometimes he even stumps his parents, especially during cooking shows.

"Mom, what is tamari?"  (Google lookup: Japanese sauce made primarily from fermented soybeans, water, and salt, often produced as a byproduct of miso paste. It is less salty and thicker than soy sauce.)

Memorable Meals - Week of Mar. 16th

"Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul‑satisfying and eternal."  ~Julia Child

It has been said that food tastes better when shared with friends.

Friday was the final Unified basketball game for Cam and his buddies. 

Fortunately for him, one of his all-time favorite people joined in the fun day!  The players were bussed to Kenowa Hills school for the game and stopped at Chick-fil-A for lunch afterwards...see cow hat picture above.  Ms. Festian, our dear friend and an exemplary aide, met up with the group and had some quality time with her long-time buddy.

Sharing meals with people who have known you for a long time carries a rare and quiet kind of magic. These are the people who recognize your pauses, remember your stories before you finish them, and understand the layers beneath your words without needing explanation. 

Such was the case when we met up with Ms. Ann and her daughter Katherine along with her husband and sweet kiddos at JT's Friday evening.  

We were excited to have a delicious cod dinner since JT's only has it on their menu during Lent.  The Weatherfords also exchanged long-awaited Christmas gifts with Ms. Ann, which had several unsuccessful attempts prior to this date.  Katherine was one of Cam's first real full-time nanny and has truly become extended family (along with her husband and kiddos).  Cam's tutor, Ms. Ann, is Katherine's mom and met Cameron during Katherine's time with our family.  Our families have been connected ever since.

Saturday afternoon was spent making homemade chili in preparation for that evening's meal.

For Cam, spending time with people who truly understand his abilities—like navigating the world in a wheelchair—can be profoundly grounding and affirming. In those moments, you don’t have to explain why a doorway matters, why table height affects comfort, or why energy can ebb faster than expected; that understanding is already there. 

When our friends Matt and Jill arrived, there were three powerchair users in our home.  As a bonus, Jill was accompanied by her service dog, Tarzan.  Because Tarz wasn't wearing his vest, he knew he wasn't "working" and we could all take part in petting him.

Cam loves being able to ask Matt and Jill questions that only the two of them can truly comprehend. 

With good friends, meals become less about logistics and more about connection, laughter, and presence. Being with people who “get it” creates a space where dignity is assumed, accommodations feel natural rather than burdensome, and your full self is welcomed. 

That shared understanding is a powerful reminder that belonging isn’t about being the same—it’s about being seen and supported as you are. 

Camology Quotes:

The night before St. Patrick's Day, Chris jokingly told his son that he would be bringing in some green beer to school to commemorate it.  Cam texted Brody's mom and shared the joke with her and apparently, she also shared it with Brody.  At school the next day, Brody told Cam how funny that story was and Cam's immediate response was:

"Brody, why don't you keep that to yourself please!"

Volunteering Information - Week of Mar. 9th

"Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless." ~Sherry Anderson 

Seeing something personalized touches something deeply human in us. It feels like being noticed in a world that often rushes past. When something is made just for us, it quietly says, “I see you. You matter.” 

That recognition can soften walls, spark trust, and create a sense of belonging that generic gestures never quite reach. Personalization carries emotion because it requires care. It means someone paused long enough to think about who we are, not just what we need. 

In that moment, we’re no longer invisible or interchangeable—we’re understood. And that feeling can be powerful. It can comfort, encourage, and remind us that we are not alone. In a world full of mass messages and one‑size‑fits‑all experiences, personalized moments stand out like a hand reaching for yours. They linger. They stay with us. Because long after the details fade, we remember how it felt to be truly seen.

On Saturday, Cam and his dad made their way downtown for the 3rd Annual Disability Resource Symposium event. 

The event is designed to connect families and caregivers impacted by disabilities with West Michigan resources, workshops, and expert guidance. It is co-hosted by City Hope GR and King's Table in collaboration with several partners, including Kent ISD and Coonen Law.

While Jane was celebrating Ms. Amanda at her baby shower, Chris and his son were happily educating others about Lori's Voice.  Many families in the area still haven't heard about all of the non-profits in our community seeking to help others.

It was quite the surprise when we checked out the website later and discovered that we easily recognized the duo on the main page!

Disability Symposium

We were very happy to see see our dear friend Patti over the weekend when she stopped over.  She's known Cam since he was born, being our closest neighbor.  Since she's an RN, Cameron will also ask her random medical questions.  And because she has the training and certification, her responses carry far more than weight than his parents!

Camology Quotes:

Our schedule-oriented son is typically more in tune to deadlines than his parents.  As noted by his daily questions to his mom and dad:

"Have you done your taxes yet?!"