My husband and I dropped my son off at summer camp today. It's a special camp for kids with all sorts of different disabilities (or abilities, depending on how you look at it). They have numerous counselors, therapists, nurses and volunteers on staff, so he'll never be alone and I feel fully confident in their ability to take care of him and keep him safe.
In theory. In actuality, I'm a nervous wreck.
We had to fill out many, many pages of forms to tell them every single little detail about his normal daily routine, what he can and cannot do, what he can and cannot eat. It seriously took me days to fill out. Even with that, I still had a hard time not blathering on and on to his cabin counselor about every little habit of his and every single thing he might possibly want or need.
It was tough leaving him there. As we were driving off the camp grounds, I was thinking that other parents probably high five themselves when their kids go to camp for a week. It was all I could do to not turn the car around and go back and get him.
I know that this will be good for him. It will give him a chance to gain some independence, meet new friends and try new things that Mom and Dad are too scared to let him try at home. But wow, I never knew that I would feel so lost without him here.
Yep, this will be good for him. I'll keep telling myself that tonight while I'm laying here staring at the ceiling. I wonder if any parents ever sneak back into the camp to check on their kids at night?
cathywhatisoldisnew
I am pretty sure he attended a camp I am very familiar with and I am so happy you took this huge step for allowing him to go. These folks are excellant and provide so many great opportunities for kids. (I have spent my career in special education.)
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Oh, I hope everything goes well and you can find time to just pamper yourself without feeling guilty. With cell phones, computers, and texting you know they could get ahold of you if any trouble arises. We all deserve some ME time and you more than any mom I "know".
Try to enjoy yourself!
Sweet Posy Dreams
Best wishes to you. I hope the camp is a wonderful experience for him. It is probably good for you, too. Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.
Olive Cooper
It is always hard to relinquish care to someone else. You are such a superb MOM. Love you for that.
Gail @ Faithfulness Farm
((((HUGS))))) Pam -- I am sure he is having the time of his life. I so fondly remember my own time at summer camp and wanted that for my kids too - but it was hard letting them go. Youngest daughter told me last weekend that she is sad that she isn't going to camp this year - made me sad for her too -- some things are hard to let go of as we get older 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Amy Burzese
Things like that with kids are bitter sweet and very hard. I'm sure he is in great hands. Try to enjoy your week and do some things you wouldn't normally do for yourself.
Debbie
The first day is always the most difficult. There is so much for them to experience, and take in....it's a huge world out there, and they want to soak it all in!
Your son will be so busy..and safe!
Try and relax. He will be home in just a short time, filling your ears with lots of exciting details of new adventures.
He's okay, but it's wonderful that you love him soooo much.
xxoo
Mrs. Miller
I just got all teary-eyed thinking of how hard that must have been. I know when Em leaves I'm totally lost and instantly exhausted and count the hours until she'll be back. I'm sure he's going to have an AMAZING time, he's a really great kid and I'm sure all the counselors are going to fall in love with him.
Mark
You are just a Wonderful Mother. Plain and simple!
m.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Pam, this IS a hard thing to do...and I am sure the other parents were feeling just the same way! I hope he has a wonderful week!
A Big XO being sent your way...
Melinda
You are being a Mom and that is ok!
He'll be fine. Just think of all the things he'll do.
Before you know it he'll be back at home!
🙂