The day was scorching but that did not have my focus; overwhelming joy, anxiety, grief, and enthusiasm all filled my body in one moment. Not knowing what I should be thinking or feeling, I stood there numb waiting for the campers to arrive. I waited in anticipation on the burning concrete path as the cars pulled up, it seemed as though the line of cars stretched for miles. One by one the doors opened and the campers arrived they had different ways of getting out of their gleaming cars, but the smile on all their precious faces was identical. Having the opportunity of a lifetime, this week I had the chance to give these kids a week they would never forget.
This summer I made a long journey from
I got the opportunity to be a sibling’s cabin counselor, which meant that there were 10 girls ages 6-11 that all had siblings with various disabilities. Initially hearing that I was in a sibling’s cabin I became disappointed, my expectations were to help a child with special needs. I realized through talking to the other counselors in my cabin that this was in actuality a huge need, and frequently overlooked. My camper’s name was Brooke she was 10 and her brother was in a wheelchair and mentally retarded due to a motorboat accident. I really pondered it, she did not have a special need physically, but her need was emotional. These sibling’s parents give so much attention to their other children that sometimes the siblings may often feel neglected and require attention. For one week I had the chance to give all of my time and attention to one girl who desperately needed me, realizing in the process that I was the one who truly needed her. The best blessing was that I not only got to spend time with Brooke but also got to spend time with her brother and all the other kids.
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