1 Year + 156 (149)
1 year +156 (149)
I picked up Tate Friday morning. A beautiful, 6 hour road trip through the mountains. Upon pulling into camp, the parents go through various stations picking up meds, talking to various camp people, etc before you finally get to your child. I heard over and over what a great week Tate had and how much of a joy she was to have. And most importantly, that she was very sad camp was ending-a true answer to my prayers!
She had an amazing time! With great encouragement, she sang a solo for the talent show (hasn’t done that since her theater days.) She climbed a rock wall (med camps have all they need to get ALL the kids up there,) so she could zip line x2! Her nurse was waiting with a pain bolus upon her return And spent time with teens her age just doing all the fun things…crafts, dancing, eating LOTS of green apples chat sessions, fishing, boating and just BEing. Surprisingly, none of the other teens were post BMT kids, but for the most part, Tate didn’t know about the long medical backstory that got these kids there. Early on in our medical journey, I found this aspect fascinating; that in general, most of the kids don’t lead with their health story. They don’t want their identity being about all their diagnoses. A sign of adjusting well to what life has thrown at them! Being a kid with challenges falls way below their desire to just be normal, happy teens. Tate got to do that this week. She made some great friends. a few from CO, and others from all over the country. They’re already planning their reunion next summer!
My heart is truly bursting with gratitude that tate had the opportunity to attend. The people caring for her are incredible humans. I honestly never worried about the medical end of things-despite being told Tate had the largest medical kit. The care was exemplary. And to be able to surround her with the fellow campers- so incredibly resilient and full of life-is such a gift. Nobody understands better how to find the daily joy and live in the moment than these kids. Thank you Round Up River Ranch as an organization and especially to all the staff and volunteers. Our gratitude extends far beyond words.
Tate slept and slept and slept. The 3 full days was perfect. She has another busy medical week ahead of her, so the weekend to recoup is a blessing.