Lipstick Cover-Up

Yesterday we dropped Loud Girl off at Summer Camp, SLEEPAWAY camp.

She did great, Mom held it together until we drove away, I wasn't Hysterical or anything, but I was a bit misty eyed to be sure. I was so proud of her, she was so excited, and unusually independent when we left. She was nervous when we first arrived, but warmed up to the setting and her counselors. It's an amazing camp. It's for children who have or have had cancer and other medical issues that requires medical care, and a very supportive and accepting setting. This week there is a 1 to 1 ratio of campers to counsellors. The counselors are all college students, juniors or seniors, with an interest in education, pshycology, or another associated area. It's fully staffed medically as well. One of our doctors is actually on the "team" there for part of the summer, so we had a familiar face too.

We arrived at noon, checked her in, she got this great backpack filled with all sorts of goodies, she was so excited. We got her all set up in her cabin, she shares it with 2 other campers, and 3 counselors. She picked a top bunk, so that was fun to get her bed made, I felt like I was making my bed back in college with the "loft" bed I had back then to give me more space, and it was nearly as rickety too, but sturdy enough for her:)

Her counselors assured me they'd make sure she does fine, and gets the most out of the experience. I told them she's not the most "organized", I think they got it.

So she'll swim several times a day, horseback ride several times a day, they have crafts, activities, themed days, today she's dressing as a pirate for the day! I sent her an email letting her know I was so happy for her and that I was certain she was having a great time. Told her I loved her AGAIN of course. I miss her, but I'm so pleased she made this step, she really wanted to do it. She was nervous about all sorts of things, but I think she's going to do GREAT.

The house was quiet yesterday at night. Green Bean, (who usually spends his evenings bickering with Loud Girl just out of habit) said he missed her and that he'd like to go to sleepaway camp too....NEXT YEAR, not yet:) Thank goodness, I'm not ready for that.

He is going to the beach with a friend and the friends family. They leave on Wednesday for the coast of North Carolina, for a week, maybe 2 if he doesn't miss us TOO much. This is his very best friend, they've been best buds since they were 4, so in Green Bean time, that's nearly half his life, a very long time. His friend T's grandparents live on the beach down there full time, they retired there, so they have this great big house and always ask the family to come for long stretches over the summer and during the year. This year she invited Green Bean too! He's just tickled about it and wants me to finish packing him NOW, just in case they leave early you know, people always leave early for vacations right? Last night he crawled into bed with me, and we read a book, and he whispered, "momma, I'm gonna miss you, I'll be ok right?" But of course my dear, it's Mommy that'll be a wreck, you'll have so much fun you'll not worry about me I thought. I told him he'd have a blast, and not to worry. He replies, "You'll be ok too?" Is he just too sweet to me or what? I shook my head and said yes, I'd miss him, but that I'd be busy packing and getting stuff done and playing with the baby, etc. He said he'd miss me most at bedtime, since I wouldn't be tucking him in. I assured him again that T's mom would certainly tuck him in, she's a great mommy and he said, "Yep, and she smells good too, just like you, like a mom."

So to all the moms out there, and to those who fill in as moms to all our kids, rest well tonight knowing that you do a great job and YOU SMELL GOOD TOO!

Lots of love,

Lil'sis