Standing Tall - Week of Dec. 16th

 "My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn't accessible." ~Stella Young, comedian and disability rights activist

It was a big week in the land of accessibility for Cam.  We arrived at Mary Free Bed anxious to see how a standing wheelchair may work out.  The process is a lengthy one.  An accessible power wheelchair is only approved by insurance every 7 years.  Once you are evaluated, the occupational therapist and wheelchair provider begin the laborious documentation process to be sent off to the insurance company.  Six months is the absolute soonest a chair will be received.  Two chairs were available for Cam to try driving and standing.  The Rovi and Permobil manufacturers offered different advantages and after testing both, Cam chose the Permobil, which is the same manufacturer as his current chair.  We all left the appointment very excited about the choice and future accessibility.

Ms. Amanda arrived early Friday evening to celebrate an early Christmas with us and also to present Cam with a surprise box.  Inside was a nerf gun, shaded sunglasses and a ring pop.  The note attached had a special request from Amanda and Nick...they asked Cam if he would be Ring Security for their wedding in April 2020!  He excitedly yelled "yes!"

Saturday's forecast was fairly mild so we ventured northward towards the cottage.  We hadn't seen the big lake since all of the fall storms that caused quite a big erosion due to large waves and rainfall.
We brought Panera Bread soup and shared a delicious lunch with Cam's grandparents.
Oma and Cam got busy frosting cookies while Chris and Jane ventured down to the beach, or lack thereof.  Back in 2003 when Cam parents were married on this very lake shore, there was more than 100 feet of beach, compared to today of roughly 20 feet.  Thankfully, as the colder weather sets in, the inevitable freezing of Lake Michigan will begin, subsiding more erosion as least for a bit.

Back in Grand Rapids, Sunday evening welcomed our traditional Raisch fam dinner.  These girls are like Cam's older sisters and a green sweatshirt made this kiddo into a funny looking Grinch character of sorts which made everyone giggle. 
As we headed into the countdown for the holiday, we are reminded of a Dr. Suess quote, "Maybe Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!"

Camology Quotes:

As we were nearing the end of holiday shopping, Jane took Cam on a secret errand.  When they got in the van Cam asked where they were headed and Jane indicated a store called Carhartt.  They entered the store and Cam (quite loudly) announced: 
"Mom, there are no car parts in here!"   

This Kid - Week of Dec. 9th

"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." ~Mister Rogers

Everyone in some way, shape or form knows their child has special attributes and unique abilities.
We have watched others over the years meet our son for the first time and immediately assume he cannot do certain things.  He has continuously overcome misconceptions and often surprised others.
Those closest to Cam have said "he is magical" and "when I'm having a bad day, I know Cam will make it better" and "he is pure joy!"

One of his aides at school told us Cam readily accepts every challenge he is presented.  It has been a long road regaining his strength since his second hip surgery.  His weekly PT work is definitely moving him in the right direction.  These two videos that were sent to us show how far he's come.  It's also very difficult to do something when you're completely cracking up.

Projects filled our evenings keeping us all busy with Christmas card envelope stuffing, addressing, outdoor lighting, baking, and a little shopping.

Sunday afternoon, Oma and Opa arrived to finish up holiday purchases and spend the night with us.
After our annual Sunday dinner with the Raisch family, it was time to try out the new game Cam had picked from the Mary Free Bed Santa party.  The Headrush Headbandz box consists of picture cards that each person has to guess by only asking questions that can be responded to with yes or no.  To add to the fun, a headband is worn to hold each card.
Right off the bat, Cam beat Oma in the first two games guessing his cards almost immediately! 
He was trying to help his grandma guess the word "popcorn" by giving her what he thought was the biggest hint: "Oma, you know mom cannot resist eating this!"

Camology Quotes:

There are days we definitely run out of time to complete projects prior to Cam's bedtime.  One evening this week, Chris was cooking chicken and vegetables for his weekly lunches.  Cam asked if his mom could come into his room after he was in bed.
He asked her with a smile on his face: 
"Can you turn the temptation level down? It smells so good it is making me want to eat!"   

Festive Festivities - Week of Dec. 2nd

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." ~Mister Rogers

When we talked about our upcoming schedule for the week, even Cam noted "wow, that is a lot!"
On Monday morning, Cam's  class headed out on a field trip to Meijer to purchase items for needy families.  On their way back to school, they made a stop at Brody's be Cafe!  Cam had been anticipating this visit since Ms. Konkle told the class they would be treated to hot chocolate.

Cam, Mrs. Festian
and Brody

Jane had missed seeing the group when she stopped in at lunchtime, but the manager, Rachel, couldn't stop telling Jane how Cam had completely made her day because he was so excited to see her and to be at the cafe!
Early that evening, we all headed over to the Fine Arts Center ready to hear the Winter Choir Concert.  The sixth graders were scheduled to be the last group to sing.  The eighth grade took the stage first, then seventh and then Cam's grade.  Chris and Jane were actually very impressed with all of the music and performances.  However, one that really stuck with us was sung by the sixth graders entitled "Don't Laugh at Me" centered around fitting in, acceptance and inclusion.  We told Cam we were very proud of him and he couldn't stop talking about the music all the way home that evening.

Liam, 'Buddy the Elf', Jane & Jason

A holiday party for the Mary Free Bed Guild left Amanda with Cam for Wednesday evening and after a PT session on Thursday, we were ready for Friday's fun.  In the afternoon, Cam had a half day and hung out with Ms. Ann and then headed back to the middle school for a movie afternoon with his class from 4p-6p, a special gift from the teachers.  Chris picked up Cam and Brody while Jane set up volunteering activities at the Ada Tinsel, Treats and Trolleys festival.  Cam, Brody and Liam had some hang out time eating pizza.  The Grinch character with dog Max and Buddy the Elf were sitting in the outdoor domes behind the cafe ready to greet people after they purchased coffee or hot cocoa.  And the Ada Historical Bridge showed off its bright lights for the first time this season.  Cam wanted a close-up look.


Saturday morning we ventured over to Ada to stroll in the Santa parade with Brody's be Cafe.  We had no idea we would be up in the front.  The gigantic coffee mug was made of chicken wire and stuffed with pieces of light material.  Dry ice and hot water made it look like a steaming mug!  As we went along the route we saw Ms. Kate, Cam's former speech pathologist and Mr. Jim, Cam & Brody's bus driver and his wife.  After the parade, we headed back to the cafe to help out for a bit before heading home for a late lunch.

Cam & long-time friend, April

Then we were off again, this time to check out the Mary Free Bed holiday party downtown. Cam has been attending this party for quite a few years and this was the first one we remembered being during the day, which was a nice change. We were a little late getting there, but Chris thought it was perfect timing.  Within 10 minutes of our arrival, Santa appeared!

Each kiddo has time with the white-bearded guy and then they pick out a present appropriate for their age group.  The presents just have pretty ribbon so the kids can choose.  Cam requested the Headbandz game for kids- such a great choice!
After leaving MFB, we arrived home and Chris and Jane prepared for one last holiday activity- the annual Fishbeck party downtown.

A very busy week indeed but we deemed it a "good busy" since every single thing we experienced meant we were with friends, smiling and laughing and enjoying the moments that become such special memories.


Camology Quotes:

Sometimes we don't think far enough ahead.  We have 3 smoke alarms in our home.  When the first one beeped quite loudly a few weeks ago, we should have purchased three right away.  We did not.  Early one evening this week, another one began chirping incessantly.  Cam didn't realize immediately that it was beeping to be replaced:   
"Mom and Dad- the fire alarm.  Hurry!  We have no time to lose!"

Be Thankful - Week of Nov. 25th

Cam and classmates, Teacher & aides

The "why" questions still continue for Cam and in reality, we all continue to question things even as we grow older.  As a family, we got to wondering where the tradition of having Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday came from.  We found the answer in an article from NPR...
In 1789, President George Washington declared Thursday, Nov. 26, as a "Day of Publick Thanksgivin," according to the National Archives. But in the years following, the date for the holiday was announced by presidential proclamation and was celebrated on various days and in different months. 

Delicious fruit basket
from Oma & Opa

When President Abraham Lincoln made his Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863, the last Thursday of November became standard. Then came the big date dispute of 1939, when two Thanksgiving holidays were observed. You see, according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, a five-Thursday November fell in 1933, and some retailers asked President Roosevelt to move the holiday to a week earlier. The president denied the request, and Americans ate their turkey on the last Thursday as always in 1933. But Roosevelt was president for a long time, long enough for another five-Thursday November to roll around in 1939. Once again, some business leaders asked if the date for the holiday could be a week earlier to give people more time to shop for Christmas, and this time Roosevelt agreed to do it. This raised a hue and cry as many people felt that he was catering to large retailers so they could make more money. 
 Sixteen governors decided their states would have Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of the month as usual, and that's how some people ended up celebrating it a week earlier or later than others — for two years. Roosevelt stuck with the second-to-last-Thursday schedule, some states stuck with the last-Thursday-of-the-month schedule and finally on Dec. 26, 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of November.

This week, we were extra thankful for so many reasons.  On Tuesday, Ms. Michelle, a former nanny of Cam's, surprised us with a visit!  She lives in Florida now and was in Michigan for a short time.  Jane set up the date but wanted Cam to be completely unaware.
He could not believe his eyes when she popped around the corner!  She told us about her mission trip to Guatemala and had some festive Christmas lights for Cam to wear and a thankful chalkboard.  Ms. Michelle stayed for dinner and asked Cam if they could play one of his favorite games.  He chose "Guess Who" and they played quite a few rounds.
On Wednesday afternoon, Oma and Opa arrived to spend two nights with us. We are always grateful to have them with us for the holiday.  Always ready for a project, Cam and his helpers, Jane and Oma, decorated the Christmas tree.
Later in the morning on Thursday, Opa and Cam prepped the turkey with homemade stuffing and Jane and her mom headed over to Starbucks to grab coffee for everyone.  While they were there, Jane chatted with Rachel, one of the baristas she became friends with.  It turned out that Rachel wasn't planning on going anywhere for turkey dinner, so we invited her to our table.  She arrived later with a beautiful orchid and coffee.  It was such fun to have her and she was so appreciative of the homemade spread complete with our big bird, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, yams, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry relish and then Oma's famous apple tarts.  Cam's blessing of our dinner was quite abbreviated, which may have had something to do with his hunger level.  After feasting, we were all thoroughly stuffed and ready for relaxation.
Friday morning, Oma wanted to see Brody's be Cafe before they headed back up north.  She and Jane chatted over delicious peppermint mochas and Oma loved the atmosphere and welcoming spirit.

It turned out the Weatherford family was due back at the Cafe later that afternoon.  Chris, Jane and Cam were signed up to volunteer with igloo setup at the back entrance.  It took well over 2 hours and Cam insisted on staying out in the cold with his dad to be sure it was connected properly.  The second dome installation was much faster than the first.  After the string lights went up, it all looked simply magical.
Seating was added for six with a heater and warm, cozy afghans in each igloo.

The set up seemed just in time since early Sunday morning, we awoke to a beautiful blanket of snow.

 Camology Quotes:

When Ms. Michelle arrived, Chris had an idea to get him to come to the door.  He called out to Cam and said there was a special delivery from Amazon just for him. Cam countered with:   "I cannot sign for Amazon.  I am just a boy, not an adult!"

Believe in Yourself - Week of Nov. 18th

Cam & Brody

“Like flowers; we may all look different on the outside, but we can all grow together in the same garden.”

Mister Rogers taught many of us concepts and understanding when we didn't even realize we were learning by watching his show.
“Part of the problem with the word 'disabilities' is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who can't feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren't able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.” ~Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

At school this week, Cam had the opportunity to test out the "hug boat" made out of inflatable vinyl for his reading time.  At PT, he worked on his sitting and balance with Mr. Patrick.

Saturday mid-morning, Jane received a message from Jenny asking if she could volunteer for a few hours at Brody's be Cafe since they were short-handed.  Cam's mom asked if he wanted to come along to assist as a greeter.  He was more than excited to pitch in.  One of Cam's best friends, Brody, is the inspiration behind Brody's be Cafe.  The Cafe's message is to encourage all to "be"..."be-lieve" "be yourself" "be kind" and the list goes on.

Brody's be's mission statement: To offer a coffee shop that provides a safe and enjoyable work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental delays along with other special needs. To create a place of acceptance for all people in the community; a place to receive, and give back. Brody’s be Cafe will provide an opportunity for people with, and without special needs, to work together. This cafe will provide a place where everyone can come together to feel purpose, importance, and to realize that we aren’t all that different on the inside.

Cam & Ms. Jenny,
Owner of Brody's be Cafe

After a busy afternoon of greeting, helping and even float decorating for the upcoming holiday parade, Cam told his mom it was hard work, but a lot of fun.
Cam is a future employee, Jane is a member of the Cafe's board of directors, and Chris is their unofficial network administrator.  As a family, this non-profit venture means so very much to us for so many reasons.  The next time you're close to Ada, be sure to stop by at 7267 Thornapple River Drive and then drop by our home since you're only 5 minutes away!
Camology Quotes:

Cam has always seemed to have an internal clock.  He instinctively knows when meals are without knowing the actual time and his teachers have indicated the same thing at school.  Cam's teacher has told his parents, "he honestly knows his schedule better than I do!"  On Sunday, Jane was drinking a preparation medicine for a routine medical procedure.
Every hour, the following messages were heard:
"Mom, did you set your timer?  Are you drinking your medicine?  Do you know when your next dose is?"

Winning the Lottery - Week of Nov. 11th

A new project began at the Weatherford household this week.  Father and son decided that the tradition of installing the outdoor Christmas lights year after year needed a technology upgrade.
With all of the experience and knowledge of Halloween costume lighting, the boys transferred that background to create a plan for LED lighting outside.

Cam is always intrigued by science and wants to know how things were made and when.
The first Light-Emitting Diode (LED) with practical use was first documented in the 1950's.  Gallium Arsenide had started experimentation with the use of the semiconductor that subsequently led to the development of the very first LED with practical use. In 1962, Nick Holonyak, Jr. invented the first LED that could produce visible red light.  
LEDs create light by electroluminescence in a semiconductor material. Electroluminescence is the phenomenon of a material emitting light when electric current or an electric field 
is passed through it - this happens when electrons are sent through the material and fill electron holes. An electron hole exists where an atom lacks electrons (negatively charged) and therefore has a positive charge. Semiconductor materials like germanium or silicon can be "doped" to create and control the number of electron holes. Doping is the adding of other elements to the semiconductor material to change its properties. By doping a semiconductor you can make two separate types of semiconductors in the same crystal. The boundary between the two types is called a p-n junction. The junction only allows current to pass through it one way, this is why they are used as diodes. LEDs are made using p-n junctions. As electrons pass through one crystal to the other they fill electron holes. They emit photons (light). This is also how the semiconductor laser works.
Nightly work of connecting the reels of light together and determining how to get power to the roof-line without running multiple extension cords became a part of every evening discussion.
Each week, Cam continues to work diligently at PT.
The weekend brought a visit from Mary Jo on Friday evening while Cam's parents wrapped up the Halloween project
with a recap and dinner.
Saturday morning, Ms. Ann arrived to hang out with her buddy all day and into
early evening.  Chris and Jane were off to Ann Arbor to see the big U of M football game up close and personal, thanks to Ms. Molly and her mom, Bobbi.  The game was chilly, but exhilarating as we watched with over 111,000 other people.


Back in Grand Rapids, Ann and Cam spent the day playing games, visiting Heidi's farm stand and even finishing some school work.  Ms. Patti stopped by a couple of times to help out and it was a treat for both Cam and his parents to have separate fun-filled days.  We are grateful for these priceless gifts.
When Ms. Ann accidentally left her winter vest behind, Chris took the opportunity to send a pic of him modeling the coat.


Although Cam's dad didn't hold onto the warm garment, Cam's mom was given a big surprise this week that she was more than happy to keep.  At school, Jane met with Cam's teacher for a conference update.  After hearing a glowing report, she stopped in the media center to check out the scholastic book sale.  While there, Cam's mom purchased some raffle tickets for a gift basket.  It was filled with a new cookbook, treats, candles, soap and a warm blanket.  Jane couldn't believe it!  Cam declared it was like 'winning the lottery!'

Camology Quotes:

Cam had a physical at the doc office prior to his physical therapy.  He had a flu shot plus 3 other shots for 12-year physical.  Cam has always done well with medical shots and seems to barely flinch.  I told his PT, Patrick, that he was a champ. 
Patrick said, "wow Cam, you're tough!"
To which Cam replied:
"I'm as tough as a cookie that has been in the freezer for 4 days!"