"........(She has autism but) I felt like somehow I got through to her for the first time in that moment, and sharing a laugh with someone is the most raw, real and fun moment you could ever share. This past week I felt like I got through to her..if only for a minute...but that minute meant the world to me."
"....Watching these kids soar in activities brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how capable they are to do anything, it just means they can accomplish it in a different way. I feel so blessed to witness these miracles that others would not consider amazing, but it truly is incredible. This week was so eye opening and such a great experience for my heart and I can't wait for next summer"
"...The gifts from campers this week piled one on top of the other. 'J' learned sign language so she could communicate with 'A'. 'H' constantly singing and saying, "I'm happy." 'E' walking around the cabin in the buff carrying on perfectly legitimate conversations. 'K' hiding a slew of balloons in the closet so she could surprise her mom at pick up. 'B' telling me happy birthday...even when it was the day after my birthday. Not to mention, my birthday in and of itself was a gift. All the kids and staff made me feel loved and adored"
I could go on with heartfelt narratives from college students who have sacrificed their summers to serve children with disabilities... yet find themselves getting much more than they gave.
It is a calling for me (and for us all?) to cherish the "small" moments... with our family, our children, our friends, our community. I am going to work to notice (and note) those moments even when I am not at ESP. I guess the saying is true: the best gifts come in the smallest packages.
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love this! (tear)... makes me sooooo happy.
ReplyDeleteLaura- truly what you do makes me smile! Working in the PICU I have the opportunity to serve many of these same children and their families, but in a much different capacity! Truly what a rewarding job (and exhausting, and humbling, and overwhelming, I'm sure at times!) you have! Thanks for sharing your perspective of what these children can achieve when they are well...and out of the hospital setting! It allows me to see them in a much different light! Keep up the blog- I love it!
ReplyDeleteDana Lerma
www.adventuresofaPICUnurse.blogspot.com
Laura,
ReplyDeleteIt is truly a gift for me to see you at work and loving these kids the way you do. I could not be more proud than I am. I know it takes an enormous amount of energy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to do all that you do for these campers,but I know they are so blessed to have you and all these counselors in their lives. Thank you for letting me be a part of ESP. I am very grateful that I get to go each year to CTL. I love you...Mom