June 27, 2008 8:08 PM
Coming home from Camp Easter Seals
I said I was driving down to Harrisonburg today to pick up the Downzers (my four sons with Down syndrome - see Why I Call Them the Downzers) from Camp Easter Seals. What was I thinking? Harrisonburg is only halfway there. The camp is 4 1/2 hours away from us. Since I was suppose to be there between 10 and 12, I left a 6:00.
I was really excited about the trip. I love driving through the rolling hills of Virginia when everything is green, either by myself or with my family.
Zach has now made me three CDs which I LOVE. I was ecstatic listening to the eclectic mix he'd put together - many somewhat familiar because he's been playing them on his computer next to the kitchen while home for the summer. I asked Zach about his music - why it is so unique and interesting and he said it's what known as Indie - independent labels not conforming to the major label style. He said it's really popular with college kids.
Oh, I get it! Like Indie movies as opposed to the dismally small field of offerings at our local multiplex. Btw, I've seen a few Indie movies lately which I will write about soon. I've always liked stuff outside the mainstream.
Anyway, I haven't sat down with him yet to find out who's singing what. I do know there was a lot of Regina Spekter and I really love listening to her. I don't usually like female singers - they seem whiny to me - but I do like her because she is so creative and fun.
I felt like I was in heaven driving along by myself and listening to great music. And very blessed to have my own personal guide into a musical genre that might have passed me by if I didn't have kids and they didn't want to share the things they love.
Thanks, Zach!
It was neat to go back to the camp. The boys had gone there two summers ago, and then I spent a week there at Family Camp with them, so I know the grounds and this year was able to imagine them doing all the fun things I knew they would do: horseback riding, swimming, archery, climbing wall, campfires. I heartily recommend the Down Syndrome Family Camp Easter Seals offers in August. Even though Tripp had to work, I had a wonderful time kicking back with my four youngest sons.
Today when I arrived, Jonny came flying at me with a whoop, almost knocking me over! It was wonderful to see them again, but hard for them to say goodbye to their counselors, who come from all over the world to spend a summer working with kids with special needs.
Thanks to all the caring young people who worked with my children!! You can come visit us anytime!
Our ride home was wonderful too. and here was a funny sight:
Feathers were flying at us from this truck barreling up 81 filled with hundreds of chickens. I briefly considered never eating chicken again.....
Posted in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering, Music, My life | Permalink
Comments
I hear you on the chickens-- my husband's first and second churches as a minster were in a country town with lots of chicken farms. They have a unique smell unlike anything else. My friend at church who was a chicken farmer used to say "smells like money to me" lol.
I'm glad they had fun at camp. My 13 year old son is on the way home from youth camp today and headed out Sunday for Boy Scout camp.
~Leslie
Posted by: My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving | June 27, 2008 9:52 PM
I found your blog this morning. I really enjoyed reading about your family. Thanks for taking the time to share your life.
Posted by: Karen | June 28, 2008 5:38 AM
