So, this summer Erin attended a Summer Camp program and had a blast. As a working mom, I worry that she will miss out on having a "typical" summer of running, playing, socializing... or: Being A Kid. But, I have to say, I never had a summer like she has this year! Two field trips a week, art classes, Taekwondo, library time... Not to mention pony lessons on the weekends and endless hours of running back and forth between houses with her friends. Phew! It's been great!
A couple days ago, I picked her up, excited to hear about her field trip to a local Go Cart/Batting Cage/Bumper Boat facility. I thought it would be one of her favorite trips. Instead I heard the dreaded... Mom, it's not fair. :( When I asked her to elaborate, she hid her face in her hands and refused. Those who know Erin personally know that enthusiasm is one of her biggest traits. To see her drawn into herself had me concerned. What was it? She wasn't tall enough for the go karts? Someone beat her at putt-putt? So-and-so got to wear flip flops and she didn't? (oh, the horror)
I pushed and finally discovered that her camp counselors had (quite correctly) chosen not to allow her on the bumper boats because they had water guns attached. Really, more like water bazookas on steroids. It was fairly likely she'd get hit.
We hadn't prepared for the scenario - I hadn't discussed it with the teachers, hadn't made alternative plans, sent a bathing cap, etc. And since Erin has become completely averse to going without her processors in any situation other than bed and bath, she was stuck standing with a teacher, watching her friends have a blast on the boats.
My sweet girl burst into sobs once she told me. Doubled over, wracked with grief. It's not fair I have to have processors! she wailed. What is there to say? I bit my lower lip (keep it together, mom), reached back and rubbed her knee. Another mile or two down the road, she was done. Moved on. Can I play with Shelly when we get home? Puh-leeeassse! My sweet girl. Tougher than I ever was.
It wasn't the first time she was on the sidelines because of her equipment and its restrictions. I'm confident in saying it won't be the last. We won't plan for every scenario in every situation - no matter how hard we try. Unexpected problems will arise.
Mom, it's not fair.
No, Love... it isn't fair. But I couldn't be prouder of how you face it.
5 comments:
My heart broke when I read this. I can only imagine how it felt for you listening to it first hand. Atleast she didn't let it ruin her evening. These CI kiddos of ours have to be strong.
What a great kid! It was a real bummer, but she managed to deal with it and move on. You've raised a really resilient girl!
Her summer camp sounds amazing - I used to go to a YMCA camp and we sat around a playground all day long (oh, it was a long, boring summer). Erin's summer camp sounds spectacular! Summer camps have come a long way!
Have you considered teaching her some sign language? I understand that as a parent you made the choice to pursue spoken language for your child and I support that, but I have seen many children that have BOTH langauges. This allows them to be comfortable with and without their processors in many situations. Maybe even just knowing a few signs for emergency situations and teaching them to those that work with her would give her the confindence to let go of the processors on certain occasions and be able to participate fully with her peers.
Just a thought! :)
Ditto....Same boat
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