Celebrating Moms - Week of May 8th

Monday was a big day for Cam.  After 6 long weeks, our independent driver was cleared for mobility once again.  Ms. Kathy sent these pictures taken at his arrival to school with the caption, "He's back!"  His friends and teachers were so happy to see this cheerful guy charting his own path once again.
The weather perked up and the days were filled with sunshine and outdoor recess.  Cam was able to hang out on the playground swing once again, which he hadn't been in since surgery.


With the green chair back in action, Jane scheduled a haircut for Cam on Friday.  His stylist, Ms. Amelia, thought he was trying to grow some sideburns:).  Ms. Amelia had a big surprise for Cam.  It turns out her mom is a Michigan State Police Officer and she had an official MSP police shirt, pencil and stickers to present to our police fan.

After some quick research, we found that Mother's Day is not just a Hallmark holiday (as Cam's dad has insinuated)...

Flowers from Oma!

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. St Andrew's Methodist Church now holds the International Mother's Day Shrine. Her campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, died. Ann Jarvis had been a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War, and created Mother's Day Work Clubs to address public health issues. Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother by continuing the work she started and to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed that they were "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".  In 1908, the US Congress rejected a proposal to make Mother's Day an official holiday, joking that they would also have to proclaim a "Mother-in-law's Day". However, owing to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, by 1911 all US states observed the holiday, with some of them officially recognizing Mother's Day as a local holiday, the first being West Virginia, Jarvis' home state, in 1910. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.


It is always a treat to see what the kids make at school for Mother's Day.  Cam arrived home on Friday with a decorated flower pot, card and homemade magnet.  He insisted on picking out a flower for the painted holder.  The card was dictated to his teacher, who printed out the message with a picture of Cam and Jane.  "This is my mom. My mom is awesome!  My mom is great at cooking stuff.  She is great at helping me get ready for school." (And yes, Jane was teary-eyed)

Saturday was a perfect day for the baseball game.  And this may have been the biggest Cam Fan day yet!  Cam's teacher, Ms. Kathy and her husband Kevin were in attendance, along with Aunt Mary and Uncle Ray.  Due to other activities, they had to leave before their photo opp, but we're so thankful they were there and Cam saw them.
Ms. Barbara from school also arrived to enjoy the action and soak up some sunshine.  All the way from the Chicago area came Auntie Karen, her sister Susan, and friend Maryann.  Oma and Opa drove in from up north.  They were all able to see Cam use the batter box, which allows him to independently swing the bat with the help of a pulley.

Little did we know until after the game that two of the volunteers were physical therapists from The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.  They had met Cam last year when he was there for an entire day for testing.  During that time, we had talked with Jason and Marlee about WMML and the fact that Cam played baseball for the league.  They were so inspired, they said, they signed up for volunteering!


After the game, Auntie Karen, Susan, Maryann, Oma and Opa all came back to Cam's house for a light lunch.  The weather was so pleasant, we ate outside on the back porch.  After enjoying each other's company and the sunshine, our Chicago bound visitors had to make the long trek back.  We were so grateful for the time and energy spent to make the drive and make our day!


Oma and Opa stayed for the evening and we opted to go out for dinner Saturday night instead of fighting the crowds on Sunday.  Mother's Day itself was also sunny and warm.  Oma and Jane exchanged fun gifts- they gave each other flowers and bags and goodies, always thinking of similar handy things.  Cam and Chris went on a secret mission to find Jane a gravity chair, which made for a relaxing mom treat!  We loved having Oma and Opa with us for the night to celebrate and share a delicious homemade breakfast of blueberry pancakes.

So many women we know go above and beyond as moms, for their families and for us.  We thank you for offering support, love and your most precious gift...time.
"A mother is like a flower, each one is beautiful and unique."
"Because I said so." ~ Mom

Camology Quotes:

For our Mother's Day dinner outing, we let Cam choose the location.
"Let's go to Macaroni Grill.  They are famous for their macaroni!"

While Chris and Cam were plotting their secret trip to Costco to find a lounge chair, Mom walked in the room.
"I have to talk to Dad, Mom.  It's none of your business."

Happy May Day! - Week of May 1st

May Day Flowers

"The end of labor is to gain leisure." ~ Aristotle

It just so happened that Oma was staying with us over May Day.  She was explaining to Cam what May Day was all about and how it came to be.  Cam's grandma told him that she danced around a maypole and would leave fresh flowers on friend's doorsteps, ring the bell and run away.  Cam thought this was incredibly silly!

Background: In the late 19th century, May Day was chosen as the date for International Workers' Day and may also be referred to as "May Day." An older tradition was the giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors' doorsteps.

Backyard May flowers

Little did Jane know that Oma and Cam had planned a May Day surprise...after school on Monday, Oma "disappeared" for a bit and returned with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  Oma and Cam announced, "Happy May Day!"  It was such a special week with Cam's grandma staying with us until Wednesday while Chris endured a few late nights of work.  We quickly grew accustomed to her endless helping, daily hugs and lots of love.  Jane couldn't have made it through the week without her!  Thank you, thank you Oma!

Will, Auntie Jo, Kevin & Ms. Kathy

Katherine & Bex, Molly, Oma,
Ann & Braeden & Cora, Cam & Amanda

Saturday's WMML game brought out the Cam Fans in big numbers- Auntie Jo & buddy Will, Katherine & son Bexley, Ann and more grandkids, Braeden & Cora, Molly, and a repeat appearance by Cam's teacher, Ms. Kathy and husband Kevin.

Our Miss Amanda came by too and couldn't believe all of people there to watch Cam.  The sun warmed us and the blue skies made for a beautiful day of baseball.

The rest of the weekend included some Little Passport investigation with new material delivered each month, thanks to Auntie Karen.

The Raisch family arrived Sunday eve for our weekly dinner.  We were especially excited to see Anna home from Hope College!  Ever since she went away to school, she's earned a sort of celebrity status with Cam.  Each and every time he sees her, he is beyond excited and squealing with delight.   Anna offered to join in an intense game of Uno Attack, making a certain boy feeling very lucky.

One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing Cam back in his powerchair for the first time in 5 weeks!  We look forward to the day he's back in his ride full-time!

Camology Quotes:

On Oma's last morning with us, Cam was commenting that she had never stayed with us 4 whole nights before.
"Oma, when you can stay 4 nights again?  How about 8 nights next time...or 32."
(Cam doesn't know his multiplication tables yet- 32 was just an arbitrary number:)

Spring Season Opener - Week of Apr. 24th

Before taking the field

The first thing to know about playing baseball in Michigan is, Michigan's really cold. ~Derek Jeter
There are only two seasons - winter and Baseball. ~Bill Veeck

Most of you who have been following Cam know that the West Michigan Miracle League has been a part of our lives since 2014.  The inaugural season opened in the fall of 2013 and Cameron wanted in for the second season.

Coming into home plate!

Background: The West Michigan Miracle League was founded in 2011 by a dad on a mission to help his son continue to play baseball.  Their son, Jed, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma (brain cancer) December 27, 2006.  He was 2 years old.  Because the tumor was located on the brain stem, the resection took away his ability to walk, talk, etc.  Jed continues to work very hard to regain these abilities and uses a walker.  Jed LOVES baseball.  He wanted to continue playing.  It was the dream of the Comden family to build the field not only for Jed, but for all the other kids out there who love baseball, but are limited physically or cognitively and struggle playing with their peers.  It is also their dream that their daughter, Riley, will benefit from the determination, bravery, courage and joy Miracle League kids exhibit on and off the field. ~Tony and Marcy Comden 
(WMML Website)

3 Amigos- Cam, Ms. Kathy, and Brody

Since 2014, Cam hasn't missed a spring or fall season.  As proud parents, we have watched a sometimes shy, tentative boy grow to have persistence, self-confidence and tenacity on the baseball field and in life.
Each season and every game, we often see special guests appear...our Cam Fans...to cheer on our son. We cannot express enough thanks for the time put forth by others to light up that smile on Cam's face.
For the opening game, Cam's teacher, Ms. Kathy arrived to cheer on two of her students- Cam and Brody, who just happen to be best buddies in Ms. Kathy's classroom.  The boys have a teacher who not only excels at instruction and finding creative ways for her students to learn, but also is a huge baseball fan!
Katherine (aka Ah-Dah), her husband Paul, and their super adorable son, Bexley, came out in the cooler temps too to cheer on Cam.

Many different organizations volunteer their time each week- high schools, colleges and businesses all take turns.  The volunteer helpers this week were from Zeeland West Catholic Baseball team.  Three very cool baseball players hung out with Cam to assist.  For the spring season, our baseball boy is a part of the WMML Red Sox team.

It seems Oma never misses a game and she arrived early enough to ride over to the field with us, anxious to see her grandson play ball.  We were fortunate enough to have her with us for quite a few days.
Saturday afternoon, Cam and his grandma made some homemade gooey slime.  Such a cool project (from the Auntie Jo basket) and one we'll be able to use over and over.

We thoroughly enjoyed a delicious Sunday dinner with the Raisch fam and "Papa"/Mr. Ken.
Oma and Cam enjoyed more play time and Cam's parents, well they enjoyed relaxing for awhile...(with infinite thanks to Oma!)

Camology Quotes:

The end of the bathroom project is in our sights.  The old shower door and adjacent glass were removed this week so we could clean the area and patch it.  Due to this development, we told Cam we would need to use his shower for the next several days.
"Ok, Mom and Dad.  I will let you use my shower because you are nice parents and you do so much for me."

A Journal for your Thoughts - Week of Apr. 17th

Journaling: Paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. ~Lee Wise
Journaling is like whispering to one's self and listening at the same time. ~Mina Murray

At school, Cam's teacher, Ms. Kathy, has been working with him on keeping a journal nearly every day.  Cam expresses his thought and his teacher captures them on google docs.  One day, Cam arrived at school slouching just a bit.
I felt like I was a monkey because I was sliding a lot in my chair. It made me laugh. My shorts are slippery in my chair.


During the week, we had a stormy night and the next day at school, Cam told Ms. Kathy this story.  When there is a storm I am scared. The thunder scares me. It is loud. I wake up. I think about dreams. I feel better.

Contrary to what Cam's dad may say, Jane did not influence this journal writing at all.  When I have money I like to save it. I save it to buy something. I would buy clothes.

We all enjoyed the abundant sunshine and planted Easter flowers from Oma.  From the activity basket Auntie Jo provided, Cam made the pringle can bird feeders by helping spread peanut butter around the cylinder and covering them with bird seed.  Chris attached them to the tree and the birds spotted them as soon as we went back inside.

The indoor project of the master bath was coming together nicely.  Project Manager Cam is quite the taskmaster and keeps everything in check.

Entering the third week of Cam's post surgery recovery, we've had some bumps along the way.  Cam isn't always smiling, but he hasn't complained once about his temporary chair or his inability to move it around himself.
As parents, we've quickly realized how much we've come to rely on Cam's independence and look forward to day he'll regain it again.

In the meantime, be inspired by this boy who accepts the circumstance and keeps moving forward, without complaint.

Camology Quotes:

Cam's sense of humor shines through even when he isn't necessarily trying to be funny.

"Mom I'm bored."
"Well, Hi Bored.  I'm Mom.  Nice to meet you."
"We already met."

Finding Treats Along the Way - Week of Apr. 10th

Deer have appeared again
in the backyard

Easter represents hope and renewal.
As we prepared for Cam's first day back to school since surgery, we were hopeful, but quietly a little apprehensive as well.
Cam was quite restless the night before and didn't sleep well at all.  Monday morning he announced he didn't feel very good and would like to stay home from school.  Jane had a day of work meetings planned so she convinced Cam to work in his "office" right beside hers in the dining room.
Mom and son were good co-workers and busy all day.  Jane was so thankful Miss Amanda arrived a couple of hours early to hang out with her buddy.

Tuesday was a new day and Cam was ready to get on the bus and back to school!
Just an hour after arrival, Jane received this email from Cam's teacher...

We are off to a great start...the wheel chair fits under Cam's desk...which was a concern of his before the surgery. Kids are so happy to see him...tons of hugs for him. :-) Gianna is pushing his chair and being so careful that is beautiful to see.

Although erratic sleeping continued, Cam had a great week at school and settled back in.

The weekend brought Auntie Jo complete with a delicious lasagna dinner from Carraba's including all of the fixings.  So many thanks for a night off of cooking and great company!

On Sunday, Oma and Opa arrived for our family Easter celebration.  Cam's annual egg hunt was a bit modified this year as he had to direct his driver to each hidden egg.  Soon his basket was quite full as he managed to find all of the expertly hidden chocolate and hard boiled goodness.

In the past, Cam didn't have much interest in deviled eggs, but that changed after he tried the mixture by licking a tasty beater.

With the sun shining, we enjoyed a steak dinner outside on the back deck for Easter dinner.  A delicious dessert of Oma's homemade strawberry cheesecake and strawberry ice cream concluded our meal.
While Cam and Oma completed some crafting in the bright sunroom, the warmth of the day filled our hearts and the smiles shown brightly.


Camology Quotes:

With the temporary manual wheelchair, Jane has been driving Cam in the van down the driveway to meet the bus in the mornings.  This is due to the weight of the chair and steepness of the driveway.  It also gives Cam and his mom some time to chat about "important" things while waiting.

Mom, why is your hair not curled today? 
There are curls.  They're just in the back of my hair today.
Let me see... I like the curls in the front. 
Ok, when you get home from school today I'll have curls in the front. 
How do you move them? 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mom, when is your first meeting? 
In 30 minutes, Cam.
You should have time to go to Starbucks and get your coffee.

Road to Recovery - Week of Apr. 3rd

Cam's new right hip!

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. ~Hubert H. Humphrey

When Cam was in the hospital and Emma came to visit, it upset her to see her buddy not himself and in pain.  Jane explained to Cam later that the best friends of all in your life are the ones who care for you so very much, they feel your pain and may wish they could even take it away or feel it instead of you.
Auntie Karen (a.k.a. lifesaver) arrived to stay with us for the week and help ease our transition with Chris headed back to work and Jane working from home. Karen and Jane are so fortunate to be "anywhere workers" meaning they can truly work from any place as long as they have a high-speed internet connection.  

Ms. Barbara & Cam & caramel corn

Cam was still on spring break this week and Oma arrived on Tuesday to stay for a couple of days.  Two people are currently required for Cam care due to the wedge pillow between Cam's leg and the need for stability when lifting for bathroom transfers, bed, etc.
We all enjoyed a visit from Aunt Joyce and Aunt Gay and they brought with them Cam's favorite new game,  Uno Attack.
Grand Valley professor, Dr. Lisa and graduate students, Kelcey and Katrina popped in on Wednesday and chatted with the recovering boy.

Puppet show theater

Miss Amanda was in throughout the week and took Cam to visit with some doggies she was taking care of over spring break.  It was good to get outside and feel the fresh air! Miss Anne also hung out a bit in between her college classes.
An 8+hour power outage made things interesting on Thursday.
Uncle Joe popped in to check on his great-nephew and Ms. Barbara from school surprised Cam on Saturday with some homemade caramel corn (which thankfully he shared with him mom!).
Amidst all of this activity, Jane was quite remiss she didn't take any pictures of the many visitors and lifesavers.  However, Cam wasn't quite himself until the weekend.  On Sunday, Emma arrived home from a fun vacation to Florida.  Even though they traveled 24 hours straight, driving back to Michigan, she still decided she needed to run over to see Cam and even provided a live puppet show!

Auntie Jo and Will showed up that same afternoon with an entire Mexican-style dinner and a huge basket full of activities for her godson to explore.
Cam chose the color mixing chart first and it directed which colors to mix like a scientific experiment, his favorite!

There are not enough thanks to go around for all of the extra attention, meals and gifts brought into our home.

So many cards, emails and phone calls came our way to check in on Cam's progress.  Once again, we were reminded of the amazing support system we have.

One of the cards that really took our breath away was from the Wyoming Police Department, where Cam toured for his birthday last summer.  It was signed by so...many...officers, detectives and department members.  To think that all of these individuals who met Cam only once took their time to write a personal message...no wonder our son is so set on working for the police!

Camology Quotes:

As we all adjust to Cam's temporary situation, he has to rely much more on his parents.  
Each and every time they prepare to lift him, they hear...
"Mom and Dad, please be careful and don't break my legs."

A changeable marquee from Jane's boss!

With the wedge foam to keep his hips in place and using a manual wheelchair, we all decided it would be easier for Cam to remain undressed from the waist down to ease the discomfort.  Of course, he always had a sheet or blanket over his legs.  At one point during the week, he announced...

"You know I have to wear pants to school next week.  My principal would not let me go to school with no pants on!"