Baseball, Buddies and a Bride - Week of June 6th

WMML Medal time!

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"
~ song lyric from 'Closing Time' by Semisonic 

New shelves for Jane's bday!

Endings and beginnings are a part of daily life.  This week, we experienced quite a few on both sides.  Time to start counting...

Jane celebrated a birthday (with a number not to be noted here) on Thursday and her boys took her out to dinner and for her present, built a set of needed shelves in the closet.  These boys are talented!

Family of Helpers
from Miller-Johnson

Yeah for Meadow Brook families!!

Saturday morning, we took our final spring season trip out to the baseball field for WMML where Cam played his final game.  The volunteers from a local law firm were eager to assist and the heat of the day was muted by a nice breeze. Along with Cam's parents, Oma, Opa and Mr. Steve completed the bleacher fan club.

Ms. Michelle, Cam &
Ms. Barbara

Less than 10 minutes after arriving home from the ball game, our first guests arrived for Cam's End of School & Summer Cookout!  Teachers, therapists, aides, fellow school friends and their families all enjoyed a delicious array of food brought by all guests.  The daytime temp reached 90 degrees so were all happy for an air-conditioned break inside to watch the Project Unify video that Ms. Barbara had put together.  It was important for everyone to see the presentation so the families of teachers, therapists, aides and fellow students could see what an impact everyone has on each other.

Oma, Cam and Opa

On Sunday, we traveled to Kalamazoo to celebrate a new beginning for Auntie Roe.  Cam was able to wear his tuxedo once again and take on the all-important duty of being a ring bearer (for the 4th time!) for Ronda & Mike's wedding.  The day was almost as beautiful as the bride.  Cam and Auntie Roe have a special relationship and many shared memories including, but not limited to, banana bread making and Portuguese language lessons.
Ronda's baking buddy worked diligently to memorize a short speech...Feliz Casamento! meaning Happy Marriage  (pronounced fah-lease koz-a-mento) and Abraços e Amor meaning Hugs and Love (pronounced ah-bra-sus eh ah-more).
It was an action packed weekend and we all had fun remembering the moments that become our memories.  For all that took place, this quote lingers and reminds us just how impactful people are...


“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”

Cam-ology Quotes:
When you have a day ahead full of activity, it's easy to feel a bit anxious and stressed.  And then, Cam wakes up and announces:
"I just love this beautiful day!"  
and those nervous feelings melt away....

Finding the Links to Unify Others - Week of May 30th

Field Day- Cam with a LINKS buddy

Ms. Barbara & Ms. Ginny
presenting Cam with his award

Cam & Mom

Sometimes you're a part of something that has such an impact, you may not realize it at the time.  We've noted (on more than one occasion) that this community has provided our family with so many opportunities.  Cam's school is a perfect example of driven individuals taking on immense, time-consuming projects on their own accord, specifically Project Unify and LINKS.

Cam & Bus Driver "Mr. D."

What is Project Unify? An education and sports-based program that promotes acceptance, respect, and leadership for students of all abilities while creating an inclusive school environment.
There are four components:
• a unified sport…we play bocce ball 
• a school-wide campaign to foster diversity and respect for all
• a community service project
• a Youth Activation Committee (YAC)
LINKS is a peer-to-peer inclusion program where students support a same-aged peer from the cognitively impaired classroom at school.

Cam & Ms. Kathy

Forest & Cam

Cam has been involved in this program for the past two years.  The awards ceremony honoring each individual student for their participation took place on Friday and parents were invited.  More than 80 elementary students volunteered to be a part of this program and there are 13 kids, including Cam, that they are paired with.  It is truly overwhelming to see kids of all ages celebrating each other.

Another celebration took place on Saturday at the WMML field for Cam's baseball game.  We were surprised to see one of Cam's former teachers, Ms. Kathy and her husband, Carl and Forest.  It's easy to see even though Cam hadn't seen Ms. Kathy or Forest for over a year, he was very excited they were present.

Will, Cam &
Mr. Mike (helper)

Will, Cam, Auntie Jo

Also in the Cam fan club were Auntie Jo and buddy Will as well as Oma!

Big crowd and a perfect day for a ball game and for introducing a new WMML first...from an organization that was new to us- May We Help.
This group brought a batting apparatus powered by a hand pulley.  Cam was able to use the pulley to swing the bat without any help from anyone!  What a cool invention!!
The organization strives to provide support in a different way - by building assistive devices or products to enable people with different abilities to enjoy everyday life.  Individuals devoting their own time and energy to benefit others...sometimes it truly is better to give than to receive...and sometimes your gift of giving means more than any monetary value ever could!

Cam-ology Quotes:
Cam is fully aware that both of his parents have busy schedules with work.  Maybe it's time to find him an electronic calendar...


"Mom, we should go to Heidi's Farm Stand this week!"


Sure thing, Cam.  That sounds good.

"Ok, when are you open?"

The Sand in our Toes - Week of May 23rd

"As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness." ~Dieter Uchtdorf

Autumn, Katrina, Cory, Megan & Cam

It was a work week for Cam at school when his class participated in community services projects outside on two different days.  He helped Ms. Kathy pull weeds and reminded his parents to apply sunscreen both mornings.

On Friday afternoon, Jane picked up Cam from school and they braved the holiday traffic to travel downtown where the PT university students awaited Cam's arrival.  It's always a treat to enter in the Grand Valley building where most of the students recognize Cam and we are greeted by smiling faces.  The goal of these sessions is to engage and teach, from both perspectives.  It's a learning experience for all and we are so fortunate that Dr. Lisa maintains Cam as part of her "staff" of kids who want to support the effort.  Although a "pro" after many of these encounters, sometimes the day's activities get the best of Cam.  At one point, Jane requested one of the students in particular to assist.  We determined this may be referred to as a "blonde therapy tactic" (which is definitely not a proven scientific method.)

Oma & Cam
discussing sand construction

Saturday morning, Cam awoke early and was more than ready to head up north to see Oma and Opa!
With blue skies above and warm sand in our toes, the breeze was a welcome change from the recent humidity.
Every year the landscape of the Lake Michigan shoreline changes, sometimes subtle and other times, abrupt.  While venturing north, we came across some "suspended" steps that were held up by sand last summer.   Now, they lead to air versus land.


Surprisingly enough, Lake Michigan was not its usual bone-chilling temperature for late May, but actually felt fairly decent.  Oma and Jane were able to comfortably walk in the water and Cam liked it splashing on his feet and legs.  Chris took things one step further, or a quite a few steps further literally, and took his first swim of 2016!

Yes, he's swimming!

We had a delicious dinner with Cam's grandparents and an awesome visit with cousin Steff and her boyfriend, Heath.
The two builders are shown here creating a new housing project.




We look forward to many, many more beach days feeling the sand in our toes and the wind in our hair leading to the inevitable outcome of smiling faces and lots of laughter!



Cam-ology Quotes:
It's been said on more than one occasion that Cam takes after his parents in more ways than one.  Jane is convinced, though, that Chris has been giving their son some extra sweet pointers.

Mom- "I sure do love you Cam."
Cam- "That warms my heart when you say that, Mom."

Camiversary! and 'Go with the Flow' - Week of May 16th

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

Memorable dates sneak up on us sometimes and suddenly we realize it's an annual occurrence.  This one was a total surprise as Michelle took Cam on a mission to celebrate their "Camiversary!"  a.k.a. the one year anniversary of the two of them meeting for the first time.  The duo arrived home with 5 different helium balloons (#1, flower, flag, sports, special) as well as 4 celebration glasses filled with Cam's favorite chocolate candies.  What a treat!  Each of the balloons represented one of us and an extra to encompass all.  The agenda for Camiversary was

1 yr ago!

1) Eat chocolate  2) Hide-n-Seek  3) Share stories/Pictures/Do you remember when?
It definitely seems like we've known Michelle much longer than a year and so thankful she is a part of our lives!
While Chris headed out on a fishing weekend, Auntie Karen graciously drove to GR to spend a couple of nights with Jane and Cam.  When Cam woke up on Saturday morning, he was so excited to see her and she gave him a new pair of snazzy sunglasses. Auntie Karen helped Cam create a "napkin man" which led to lots of giggles and funny talking.

Ms. Barbara & daughter Carly & Cam

Mr. Tom (helper) & Cam

U.Joe,A.Joyce,U.Jon,A.Betsy,Oma,Opa,
Karen,Mom & Cam

The Napkin Man

The WMML game was scheduled for 10am and it was shaping up to be a perfect day for baseball.  As Cam, Jane and Auntie Karen settled into the van to leave (early), it wouldn't start.  The portable charger was attached and we discovered the full jumper cables were in Chris' truck a couple hundred miles north.  After 15 minutes of unsuccessful charging, we asked Cam if he would be willing to leave his powerchair at home, get in Jane's car instead of the van and have someone push him around the bases in his former manual chair.  He totally agreed and wanted to go and get to baseball!  He also informed Jane & Auntie Karen that "I need a snack in the car to tide me over."

Good thing he is a 'go with the flow' kind of guy because he had a fan club waiting at the game to see him play ball!

The sunshine continued throughout the day and Emma stopped over for some outdoor play and stayed for dinner.  Auntie Karen and Jane thought it would be fun to play restaurant for the evening.  The kids had a menu to choose from at "Cam's Cafe."  Cam chose ravioli and Emma picked hot dogs and mac-n-cheese.  Jane & Karen wisely decided upon grilled steak and chicken with veggies.  We were very thankful for Aunt Karen's company over the weekend and her positive attitude to help make an inflexible situation full of choices and options.
A shout out to Cam's WMML fan club present at the Saturday game!  We know it's a trek and time and energy.  Seeing Cam's face light up knowing he has a cheering section is priceless!!

We sure did miss Chris over the weekend, but the fish didn't seem to be missing his hook at all- lots of beauties such as the one shown here.  Cam and Jane requested he bring fish home and upon arrival, sure enough, he had a piece of fresh salmon from Meijer :)


Never doubt that even the smallest of comments or quietest of compliments don't make someone's day.  We think it's a proven Cam formula...

Cam-ology Quotes:
Cam came home early from school on Monday due to sickness and stayed home on Tuesday.  He asked Jane to send a message to his school.  Jane found the two school administrator assistants online and sent the following email to both. 
"Cam wanted me to send a message to school to say  “thank you for being so nice to me!”

 He went home sick yesterday and is home from school today, but is feeling better.

 Have a good day,"

Emails received back upon receipt:

"Hi Jane,

That is so sweet! That just made my day! Good to hear he is feeling better." ~Monica

"Thank you for brightening my day!" ~Jane

Travel, a Test and Tenacity - Week of May 9th

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward. ~Amelia Earhart

Plans change sometimes.  What was the intended schedule veers in a different direction.  Such was the case with Jane's travel for work.  She was in Texas Monday and Tuesday, flew back late in the evening and left for New York Wednesday morning, returning Thursday night.  The boys had some quality time together.  With the weather shaping up a bit, they created an outdoor fort with lawn sticks to traverse through and hang out in.   

While Jane was in the Lone Star state, she noted on the weather forecast there was a very familiar city name- can you spot it?

On Friday, Cam had the day off of school.  We had scheduled an intrathecal baclofen test for him at the hospital to determine if a future procedure may enable him to gain more mobility.  We arrived early amid many questions such as..but not limited to.. "Did you call base (aka bussing)?  Did you call my school to let them know I will not be there today?  Does the hospital know we are coming?  Where will be park?  Will we eat dinner there?"

The procedure itself only took 15 minutes or so while Cam was under sedation, but we were required to stay until after 5p to be certain Cam was alright and to have him assessed throughout the day.  Our PT friends, Marlie, Kayla and Jason hung out with us for a good portion of the day.  Jason actually remembered Cam being in the hospital after he was born and he cared for him during his stay in the NICU unit!  Pictured behind our new buddies is a building where the aero med helicopter lands on top, which provided a nice distraction throughout the day.  We were relieved that Cam could stay in his own clothes for the short operation and recovery.  He even acquired a new pair of shades from the PT crew!

As parents, we never want to push too far, but we also want Cam to understand the honor of commitments made.  Much to our surprise, he wanted to play baseball on the coldest Saturday of spring.  At the last minute, he thought about changing his mind, but after we talked through it, he opted to continue on.  And in those moments, Cam is learning and persevering and remembering.

Oma and Opa braved the weather for baseball as well and arrived with blankets in hand as Jane passed out hot cocoa.  Cam suggested afterwards we head to "Olive Garden" for lunch because "it is a close place for Oma and Opa."  So sweet of him to think of his grandparents, and potentially his own stomach as he promptly requested breadsticks upon entrance.

A ballfield full of thanks to Cam's grandma and grandpa for making the trek and surviving the blustery day.

The cold day and possibly leftover hospital time left Cam a bit out of sorts the rest of the weekend.  Sunday afternoon, Chris and Mr. Steve took Cam over to Cabela's to grab some fishing gear for an upcoming fisherman's weekend.  

By the time Cam arrived home, he was greeted by 'Auntie' Jo complete with a care package for her godson.  She also brought a sweet bouquet of flowers and a pic of Jane and her godson, Will. 

Somehow Auntie Jo knew what would perk up Cam with a bag full of sweet treats ranging from animal crackers and mini oreos to king size candy bars, all with encouraging notations!  See if you can guess which quote matches which sweet treat! (and many thanks Auntie Jo!)

"Don't Snicker but we think you are the greatest!"  "The 3 Musketeers- Chris, Jane and Cam"  "You are one cool Kat!" "You are Marvelous and Magnificent!"

Cam-ology   Quotes:
At the WMML baseball game, Cam's helper was named Jason. 
"Mom- that is a lot of Jason's.  Jason at the hospital yesterday and Jason today.  And there is a Jason who bought our old house!"