"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-ologyQuotes: 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."
"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.
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-ologyQuotes: 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
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!"
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” ~ Stephen R. Covey
Cam attended the Arts festival at Lincoln School on Friday. It was a perfectly, sunny day. Chris was able to take half a day off of work to spend with his happy son. They enjoyed live music, face painting, made rain sticks, and explored other activity areas. It was no surprise that Cam opted for a baseball to adorn his forehead. Community events in our area never cease to amaze us.
And our own community of people provide amazement too. Cam is surrounded by creative, crafty people. At school, for Mother's Day, the kids made a sweet bouquet that will last forever and a pottery dish to hold Jane's jewelry.
At home, Ms. Michelle helped Cam create a homemade flower arrangement decorated with "xo" and made with construction paper and straws. She also asked him what he wanted to write in the card and helped him - "I like it when you hug me when I come home. I like it how you make food for me like broccoli. I like it when you come to my school. I love you Mom!"
Mother's Day was extra special because Oma was in for the day and brought Jane a hanging flower basket and gave her a portable beach lounge chair and cup holder (bring on summer!). Jane's boys totally surprised her with a new set of pots and pans! An overwhelming thanks to you all!!
We can't recall exactly when Cam learned his parents' first names but once in awhile he will use them to get our attention or be funny.
When he called his Mom "Jane" over the weekend, she explained the following... "I am a mom only because I have you. It is a special name given to me for you to use. I love my name, "mom" because I wouldn't have it if I didn't have a son named Cam."
"We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves." ~Henry Ward Beecher
Cam-ologyQuotes: A weekend lunch included the famous Culver's where Cam's standard order is a corn dog and french fries. "Are those your french fries, Dad? I am eyeing them!"
Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world. ~Babe Ruth Routine is common in our household. Not that each day feels routine, but more or less has a rhythm to it. Playing baseball in April has become part of our routine as well. As opening day for the Spring 2016 WMML (West Michigan Miracle League) season approached, Cam was anticipating game day. The volunteers from Hope College were eager to work with the kids Saturday morning. Cam is on the Yankees team this year and Jane was excited that the baseball pants she acquired for her son actually match his game shirt this time. Although the day was a bit chilly, the warm smiles were everywhere! Auntie Karen drove in from the Chicago area to see Cam's first spring game! He was pretty excited she was there to cheer him on only with his parents. The coach for the Yankees brings treats every week and much to Cam's surprise, he was given a snack pack of Oreo's, which he promptly tasted, as noted by the chocolate cookie smile. Karen had a special treat of her own planned for Cam. The duo went on a "tour" of the area with Cam navigating alongside Auntie Karen's GPS. Somehow, they arrived at the nearest McDonald's where the savvy co-pilot negotiated a happy meal. We actually cooked up a very healthy dinner, though, compliments of our sweet guest. Many thanks Auntie Karen, for everything! In honor of the one-year anniversary of our family meeting Ms. Michelle, she and Cam had a mini photo shoot one day. We do adore her and she is like a ray of sunshine every time she walks in the door! Cam-ologyQuotes: Cam's former nanny and our extended family member, Katherine (aka Ah-Dah) and her husband, Paul are expecting their first child in the fall. They recently found out they will be having a boy! Cam told Chris the following... "They should name him "Curious George." Chris responded: "What if they named him Cam?" "Cameron is not a good name. That's already my name."
New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture - even the local superstitions. It's a sensory experience on all levels and there's a story lurking around every corner. ~Ruta Sepetys
Anticipation: a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.
Airline Sign & Ring Bearer box
This was a first for our family- traveling to a city none of us had been to and taking Oma and Opa with us. Best of all, the underlying reason was to celebrate a joyous event- Katie and Tyler's wedding! Many preparations were required for various reasons- Cam's power chair was headed on an airplane for its maiden voyage and Cam was graciously asked to be a ring bearer for the wedding! We decided it may be best to show airline employees a picture and a little bit about the owner of the chair. The sign indicated "Hi! My name is Cam! I am 8 years old. This is my chair. I use it to move around and play baseball. Please be careful with my chair. This is the first plane ride it has been on. Thank you very much!" We also added a blank page for Delta employees to sign if they wanted to (and they did). Chris and Cam built a ledge attached to the powerchair and the bride provided the box to hold the wedding rings. Whether the sign Jane and Cam designed made a difference, we don't know for certain, but suffice it to say, the chair and ring holder made it to New Orleans safe and sound. After a bit of turmoil during the flight (due to an unknown double ear infection that Cam was dealing with) and afterwards figuring out our van rental, we arrived at our hotel and promptly ordered delicious New Orleans pizza. Maybe it was because we were all starving, but the consensus was it was most definitely some of the best we had ever had!
Cam receiving his 'ring'
The next day we had swimming in the hotel pool on the agenda and attending the rehearsal dinner in the evening. We also found an awesome med center that diagnosed Cam and we promptly picked up some medicine for his double ear infection.
Kissing cousins :)
That evening, we couldn't wait to see Katie, Tyler, Coco, Libby, JJ and Jeffrey, James and Ally and met many other folks at the rehearsal. Cam was diligent in his practice time and we enjoyed dinner with everyone at the St. Roch's Market.
The bride and groom presented Cam with a ring bearer gift bag- all sorts of goodies including a 'fake' wedding ring (which actually looked quite real!)
Finally, the next day was the wedding day for Katie and Tyler! Cam couldn't wait to get dressed up in his tux and arrive early for pictures. He and Katie's brother, James sure looked exceptionally stately in their fancy duds. The Peterson family and Aunt Betsy and Uncle Jon were also there for the special occasion.
Our cousin, Katie, was breathtaking. She looked striking and Tyler, very handsome. Their marriage took place at the Marigny Opera House, a non-denominational, neighborhood church of the arts. The church building was originally the Holy Catholic Trinity Church and was built in 1853. The ceremony was perfectly timed and Cam fulfilled his third time
as ring bearer, with so much pride! One of the readings during the wedding was from one of Jane's favorite childhood books. “Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'
'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.” ~ Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit Following the nuptials, everyone gathered outside for drinks and appetizers while listening to a musical live trio. The bass player chatted with Cam a bit and even let him strum the strings. Robert was a very kind man and we enjoyed hearing his story about his family and all of the instruments they play. Of course, after dinner, dancing commenced and Katie saved a dance for Cam, as promised.
The following morning, we all gathered again at Katie & Tyler's for a brunch catered by a New Orleans food truck called Frencheeze- so unique and incredibly delicious! We dined on truffle fries, mac n cheese balls, multiple fresh grilled sandwich choices of buffalo chicken, pulled pork, and vegetables.
To finish out our time in The Big Easy, we toured the French Quarter, dined at some authentic New Orleans eateries, and strolled down Bourbon Street listening to a live band. We also headed to the river where we boarded the Natchez Steamboat for a two-hour cruise down the Mississippi. We heard a history lesson, tried some alligator sausage and loved the warm breeze on the deck of the boat.
Chris & Jane ventured over to Bourbon Street on their last evening to listen to one of the many phenomenal jazz bands. Many thanks to Oma & Opa for all of their extra help, especially so that Cam's parents could have a little time to explore the city while their sweet son was sleeping.
New Orleans is a place we won't soon forget- the food, the music, the atmosphere, the people. One afternoon, we met a nice man who goes by the name of Magnificent. He insisted we video a message he had for Cam. His message is entitled "Determination!" Definitely a word we use to describe our awesome son!
Cam-ologyQuotes: The wedding took place in the Marigny (pronounced: Mare-i-knee) and we made sure to say it correctly for Cam. In response, he indicated... "I know why Katie and Tyler are getting married in the Marigny House, because you get married there. It has the word "marry" in it!" Cam shared some snacks that Chris had bought him with Oma and Opa. When his grandparents said thank you, Cam replied with... "It was our pleasure to share snacks." The airport provided a festival of comments from Cam. Most notable... "Baggage Claim is a silly name for suitcases."
"As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness." ~Dieter Uchtdorf
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.)
Saturday morning, Cam awoke early and was more than ready to head up north to see Oma and Opa! 
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.
We had a delicious dinner with Cam's grandparents and an awesome visit with cousin Steff and her boyfriend, Heath. 
