Family Retreat

 Can't believe I am this late posting about our week at JAF Family Retreat.  Thankfully just the typical, life getting busy, and no one was sick.  Amazingly Junior completely avoided getting Covid from me even with me needing to do all his care while ill.  

Camp was wonderful as it always is, and it was so nice to spend time with other parents who understand our journey.  The best part of all though was seeing my child not just accepted but celebrated.  Seeing him valued and loved for the amazing young man he is and not judged for his differences or based on what he can or cannot do.  He was matched with a lovely young lady who has a sibling who had a trach and feeding tube.  She was totally comfortable with all his medical gear and she and Junior hit it off right away.  She took the time to learn his "language" and be his friend. 

This was one of those moments that made my heart smile.  Finding Junior with his buddy discussing and listening to their favorite music.  Something that should be so normal but for those with disabilities is often rare.  These moments at camp are frequent and let us experience what life should be like and could be like if others could see that we are all different and those differences are what makes us who we are.  We all have equal value because we are made in God's image and our abilities don't change that. 

Square dancing at camp is the best.  

 

We had to have a picture of Junior in front of the poster of him.  He is sure he is famous now. 

After all the fun everyone needed a nap. 

Crazy hair/hat day is always fun. 

some random pics of us enjoying camp and being goofy. 

Yonder had another cci buddy at camp this year 

Stomp Dance with his buddy while I was at the parent dinner.  He loves all that music and dancing. 

Enjoying food, fellowship, and some craft time with some amazing ladies. 

Camp is never complete without cotton candy and snow cones. 

Mr. cool and his cool pup

                                                                   

                                                                                 

Then we move on to silly pup, lol. 

                                        

                                                   Though not a fan of the kitties, he enjoyed getting to hold the bunnies. 

  

It got very warm so he occasionally needed a break back in our room

A few more fun pics

I still remember the first time we were preparing to attend JAF Family Retreat and another parent told me "it is a little piece of heaven on earth".  My thought was "well I am sure its fun but heaven, really".  

After that first year I understood why families view it that way.  We get to experience being fully embraced by a "community of people" who sees each person as perfectly who they are made to be. We recharge and renew our faith and energy for the next battle we will inevitably face to get our loved ones needs met, knowing we aren't as alone as we can sometimes feel on this journey.  We are truly blessed to be part of the JAF family.  

Thank you to the leadership, stm's, volunteers, and the many, many people that make camp a success.