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?!"

Testing Patience - Week of Mar. 2nd

"If patience wasn't so easily tested, then it would hardly be a virtue." ~Amor Towles

As a Senior, there are many events that trigger a "this is last time I will..." type of moment.

On Wednesday, the Unified Basketball Seniors were being honored with their parents.  Jane was able to attend briefly to accept a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her son.  The coach also read comments from each of the participants.

Oma spent Sunday afternoon and evening with us.  She and Jane were headed to a Dancing With The Stars performance downtown that night. 

Fortunately, there was enough time for Cameron and his grandma to enjoy a nice stroll in the neighborhood in the afternoon.

It was a sunny day and even with the blustery wind, the duo enjoyed themselves outside. 

There are many things beyond our control.  In Cam's world, it means every electronic piece of equipment he uses.  The majority of the weekend was spent trying to fix a cable on Cameron's power wheelchair.  Much to our dismay, no matter what was attempted, the fix was not available.  However, Cam kept his cool about the situation citing that we could try calling people first thing Monday morning. To quote Joyce Meyer, "Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting."

Camology Quotes:

Our Alexa devices were acting up this week.  Cam uses the Alexa device to announce to his parents. Over the weekend, he was frustrated that the technology was not working correctly.  He relayed to his parents:

"Oh, I am two steps ahead of you like always and I already reported it to Amazon!"

The Big Arena - Week of Feb. 23rd

"The things that make me different are the things that make me." ~Piglet (A.A. Milne)

Monday was the most exciting day of the week.  Cam was invited, along with the FHN Unified Basketball Team, to play at the same setting as the NBA Detroit Pistons.  Since it was a school event, he was excused from being in the high school building. Chris and Jane took the day off of work to bring their son to the big event.  Our destination was the Little Caesars Arena.

Little Caesars Arena (LCA) in Detroit, opened in September 2017 for $862.9 million and is the home of the NHL's Red Wings and NBA's Pistons, anchoring the 50-block "The District Detroit" entertainment area. Designed by HOK and Barton Malow, it replaced Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills, featuring a unique, deconstructed design with an underground practice rink.
The 816,000-square-foot venue features a "deconstructed" layout, placing the concourse, restaurants, and retail shops in separate buildings connected by a roof. It includes a 5,100-square-foot scoreboard and a below-ground practice ice rink. It was designed to anchor a new downtown district, connecting Midtown with the central business district.

We arrived at the exact same time as the other players.  We learned that the professional basketball games usually see about 18,000 fans while the pro hockey team, the Red Wings typically host 20,000.  Chris talked to one of the security guards and he told him that the Detroit Piston courtside seats go for $2800 per chair!

Our Grand Rapids Team played against a Detroit-based team.  It was exciting for us all to be in the arena where our state's professional basketball team plays!  We were super proud of Cam for participating and being a part of it all.  The final score was 38-33 with our team victorious.

We ate a late lunch with Brody and his family in the District Market, a food court inside that offered 4 different restaurants in one area. Late that afternoon, we drove back to Grand Rapids, arriving home by dinnertime.  We were all in agreement that the day away was a unique experience we were excited to be a part of!

Camology Quotes:

The AI agents continue to provide an endless array of jokes between father and son.  As we were getting ready to leave for Detroit, Chris said to Cam, "There's only one problem...how can I leave my agents alone for an entire day?!" To which Cam smartly replied:

"Ha! Are you married to them Dad?!"