Ben is back home. He had a marvelous time, wishes he could have brought his new friends home with him. I hear the kids ran after the bus as it pulled away from Codroy. He brought an accent home with him, guess that was unavoidable...it was so cute to hear. This was a wonderful opportunity for Ben, for any kid, to be able to go away from home and make new friends and learn about their way of life and to walk away from it wishing it could continue. He was definitely glad to be home but sad about having to leave his friends behind. I am glad he got to experience this with his friends from home, as well. This is something they will share and have in common for the rest of their lives.
School is out - YIPEE! although it comes with a bit of sadness...Ben and his gang are off to high school. It was a good year. I work at Ben and Sarah's school as a noon supervisor and I volunteer as much as possible. I have followed the kids in Ben's grade right from Pre-K - gotten to know them, got to share a lot with them - it's been a remarkable journey - to see the growth and changes over the years, to be able to share the hugs and laughter is something most adults don't get to do. Sometimes they share problems, as well. That's a great feeling knowing you are trusted to share but at the same time it can be sad. It's great to see watch them grow into teenagers and to grow into themselves.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
One more sleep
Missed Ben's 7 phone calls from Newfoundland last evening. Got them on the answering machine though..."someone pick up the phone, I just want to say good-night before going to bed", "hello, anyone there, pick up the phone", "I am so tired, just want to say good-night", etc...poor Ben. I came home and heard the messages and felt so sorry I had missed his calls. I almost called but it was close to midnight Newfoundland time. I'll call this afternoon to say "HI".
One more sleep and he'll be home. I know he is having a great time and will really miss all his new friends but I also know my boy well enough to know that he is counting the hours till he arrives home. It's been a long week.
He was "screeched in" Tuesday night. He was so proud to tell us he is officially a Newfoundlander. I know he will not soon forget these last few weeks.
A card came in the post the other day addressed to "My Quebec Family"...Ben's 'Newfoundland twin', she wanted to say she missed us and to thank us for making her "feel at home". It's a great feeling to learn about the impact you can have on people. Miss you Em, our door is always open!
Ben, can't wait to have you home.
One more sleep and he'll be home. I know he is having a great time and will really miss all his new friends but I also know my boy well enough to know that he is counting the hours till he arrives home. It's been a long week.
He was "screeched in" Tuesday night. He was so proud to tell us he is officially a Newfoundlander. I know he will not soon forget these last few weeks.
A card came in the post the other day addressed to "My Quebec Family"...Ben's 'Newfoundland twin', she wanted to say she missed us and to thank us for making her "feel at home". It's a great feeling to learn about the impact you can have on people. Miss you Em, our door is always open!
Ben, can't wait to have you home.
"Happy Birthday to Me"
I'm at the age where I don't like to acknowledge my birthday but my friends relish in it.
I guess there is the fact that I am healthy and happy and still alive but I don't like that the numbers keep getting bigger - the up hill climb is difficult. 30 I had a hard time with, 40 was ok...but the big 5-0 is going to be tramatic - and for the record, I'm not there yet. I remember being a 17 year old and thinking 25 was soooo ancient.
And that's all I'm going to say...I'm now in age denial.
I guess there is the fact that I am healthy and happy and still alive but I don't like that the numbers keep getting bigger - the up hill climb is difficult. 30 I had a hard time with, 40 was ok...but the big 5-0 is going to be tramatic - and for the record, I'm not there yet. I remember being a 17 year old and thinking 25 was soooo ancient.
And that's all I'm going to say...I'm now in age denial.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Lonesome in Newfoundland
My traveler is lonesome but having an awesome time. Imagine having a bonfire by the ocean!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Newfoundland bound
Ben and his buddy Matt are Newfoundland bound. The bus pulled out from Shawville at 9am. The plane will just have taken off from Ottawa Airport - 12 noon. After spending a few hours in Toronto they will be in Newfoundland by 9 or 10 pm Newfoundland time.
Ben has called 3 times already, he makes me smile - miss ya 'Benjamina'. (When Alex went on his SEVEC exchange he only called once - my boys are so different.) I am wondering what he is thinking about his very first airplane ride. I know he will be ok because he is with his buddy, they will take care of each other.
My baby is gone...see you Friday Ben
Friday, June 08, 2007
SEVEC...
...Society for Education Visits and Exchanges in Canada.
My 11 year old son is off to Codroy Valley, Newfoundland tomorrow with 17 other children from the area, 9 of which are from our community, so he knows most of them from school and one girl is on his soccer team.
Last week, May 26 to June 2 we hosted their "twins" from the Codroy Valley, 25 plus their 4 adult chaperones. It is a marvelous adventure for all the children, but not just the children - the adults have a great time as well. It's a wonderful way to expose everyone to the different regions of Canada, places and events some children may never have another opportunity to experience. I am so envious of my son, hmmm I wonder what the penalty is for being a stow-away these days.
I was surprised when Ben said he wanted to participate in this program. I know that when Alex, my oldest son, did a SEVEC exchange 3 years ago Ben said he couldn't wait to be in grade 6 so he could do the same but Ben is my stay at home child. Alex and Sarah are my travelers, always staying over with friends and going places but Ben only sleeps over at his buddy Matt's house and that is barely 5 min. away - 30 sec. as the crow flies. Just days before Emily, Ben's twin from the Valley, was to fly in with her group he said he didn't want to do this...sorry buddy, too late now. You see, I'm sure part of his problem was that he is an 11 year old boy who was being twinned with a 14 year old girl...but by the 2nd. day they were almost like old buddies. Emily is the youngest of 5 children and an aunt to 2 little boys so she was not about to shy away from Ben. Once he got to know her he had a great time. On the last night she was here they were sitting together on the sofa, same sofa - not at other sides of the room, chatting up a storm about the weeks events and planning how to stay in contact. I am so glad for email, MSN and whatever technology will allow these kids to remain in contact.
As the bus pulled out on Friday morning for the return trip to Newfoundland, our guests reluctantly going home, there was a steady stream of tears, many hugs and plenty of good-byes. It is amazing what a strong bond can be made between total strangers in such a short period of time. Late that evening our phone rings, I pick it up to hear Emily excitedly telling me she was home safe and sound. When I asked what time she got home her reply was that she had "just gotten in the door". It was so heart-warming to know that she enjoyed herself so much with our family that she couldn't wait to call and let us know she was home safe...and that she wants to come back sometime to visit. I hope that will happen someday.
I am reassured, after meeting all these great kids and adults, that Ben will have the time of his life. He has been MSNing all week, getting to know everyone even better.
SEVEC is a wonderful experience and if your child (and you - because as much as it is for the children it envelopes the entire family) ever gets the chance to participate I say let them do it, the rewards are plenty.
My 11 year old son is off to Codroy Valley, Newfoundland tomorrow with 17 other children from the area, 9 of which are from our community, so he knows most of them from school and one girl is on his soccer team.
Last week, May 26 to June 2 we hosted their "twins" from the Codroy Valley, 25 plus their 4 adult chaperones. It is a marvelous adventure for all the children, but not just the children - the adults have a great time as well. It's a wonderful way to expose everyone to the different regions of Canada, places and events some children may never have another opportunity to experience. I am so envious of my son, hmmm I wonder what the penalty is for being a stow-away these days.
I was surprised when Ben said he wanted to participate in this program. I know that when Alex, my oldest son, did a SEVEC exchange 3 years ago Ben said he couldn't wait to be in grade 6 so he could do the same but Ben is my stay at home child. Alex and Sarah are my travelers, always staying over with friends and going places but Ben only sleeps over at his buddy Matt's house and that is barely 5 min. away - 30 sec. as the crow flies. Just days before Emily, Ben's twin from the Valley, was to fly in with her group he said he didn't want to do this...sorry buddy, too late now. You see, I'm sure part of his problem was that he is an 11 year old boy who was being twinned with a 14 year old girl...but by the 2nd. day they were almost like old buddies. Emily is the youngest of 5 children and an aunt to 2 little boys so she was not about to shy away from Ben. Once he got to know her he had a great time. On the last night she was here they were sitting together on the sofa, same sofa - not at other sides of the room, chatting up a storm about the weeks events and planning how to stay in contact. I am so glad for email, MSN and whatever technology will allow these kids to remain in contact.
As the bus pulled out on Friday morning for the return trip to Newfoundland, our guests reluctantly going home, there was a steady stream of tears, many hugs and plenty of good-byes. It is amazing what a strong bond can be made between total strangers in such a short period of time. Late that evening our phone rings, I pick it up to hear Emily excitedly telling me she was home safe and sound. When I asked what time she got home her reply was that she had "just gotten in the door". It was so heart-warming to know that she enjoyed herself so much with our family that she couldn't wait to call and let us know she was home safe...and that she wants to come back sometime to visit. I hope that will happen someday.
I am reassured, after meeting all these great kids and adults, that Ben will have the time of his life. He has been MSNing all week, getting to know everyone even better.
SEVEC is a wonderful experience and if your child (and you - because as much as it is for the children it envelopes the entire family) ever gets the chance to participate I say let them do it, the rewards are plenty.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Relay for life...
The Relay for life is over for this year. I have a few new aches and pains but they are all worthwhile when you consider the cause and what people with cancer have to go through. It feels great to have been apart of such a wonderful event. Our group raised almost $1900 with the grand total being just over $71,000.
My group, Bacon and Eggs - named after our breakfast group who get together every monday morning after we drop our kids at school, began converging on Leslie Lake as early as Friday evening after soccer. Around 6 pm on the 2nd. we got all decked out in our matching pjs and Relay for Life t-shirts and headed down to the beach for the speeches that would begin the night's event.
The walk started with the "survivors" lap lead by a bagpiper. All the teams formed a line, in pairs we stood across from each other, for the survivors to walk between us. Some of the 'survivors' walked with heads held high, some walked with tear dotted cheeks, some walked with heads bowed and tears flowing. It was very awe inspiring when someone you knew walked past. There were some high 5's, there were gentle hand holds, there were pats on the back. It is a great feat to be a cancer survivor. It was a heart touching moment. After the survivors had completed their lap the teams went out in alphabetical order, which in this case meant "Bacon and Eggs" led the walk. As I walked passed the yet unlit luminaries there was the family of our friend who died just a couple of weeks ago holding each other infront of his just placed luminary. If I didn't know before, I knew then why I was there. As we walked we each knew many people whose luminaries were placed in their honor. You could hear people reading off names. Some memories were very fresh in our minds.
We all walked together as a team for the first couple of laps then knowing we had to pace ourselves over the next 12 hours some of us left the trail for our campsite, waiting to take our turns. We didn't really have a schedule for who would walk when, but knowing at least one of us had to be on the trail at all times we just took turns when we felt like it. Every once in awhile someone would get up and head to the lake to start walking and to find any of our team who were walking and tell them it was time for them to rest. As it worked out we all walked at least 4 hours. Kris, Fiona and I were there when the luminaries were being lit, we took turns lighting a few. I walked from 1:30 am to 4 am...to me I picked the best time. By this time the luminaries were all lit, the moon was almost full and shining on the lake. The path looped along the lake and then up a small incline - the lake was always right beside us, with the luminaries on the other side of the path. As we walked on the upper side of the trail we could see the walkers along the lake. I walked with a flashlight in my hand but rarely used it. It was a very calming atmosphere. At that time of night people walked alone, some walked in pairs - there was some chatter but mostly it was quiet, lots of time for reflection and thought. Around 4 am I took a break and headed back to our campsite. One of our group was still awake, 2 were still walking, one was trying to catch a few naps in her lawn chair and the rest had tucked themselves into bed. Kerry and I watched the dark lift, we heard the birds awaken. I went back out to walk at dawn, the first person I saw was my high school English teacher, she walked with her hands behind her back like she was in a contemplative mood, we bid each other "good morning" and kept to our task. My walking partner woke up and caught up with me shortly after 5. I noticed a lot of our walking was done in silence.
It all wrapped up with the teams joining to complete the final lap. With less than a 1/2 hour of sleep all night I was glad to pack up and head home. I came home, threw my clothes into the washer, took a long hot shower and jumped into bed.
Two sore feet, one sore ankle and one sore knee, it was all worthwhile and I will do it again.
It was good, it was all good.
My group, Bacon and Eggs - named after our breakfast group who get together every monday morning after we drop our kids at school, began converging on Leslie Lake as early as Friday evening after soccer. Around 6 pm on the 2nd. we got all decked out in our matching pjs and Relay for Life t-shirts and headed down to the beach for the speeches that would begin the night's event.
The walk started with the "survivors" lap lead by a bagpiper. All the teams formed a line, in pairs we stood across from each other, for the survivors to walk between us. Some of the 'survivors' walked with heads held high, some walked with tear dotted cheeks, some walked with heads bowed and tears flowing. It was very awe inspiring when someone you knew walked past. There were some high 5's, there were gentle hand holds, there were pats on the back. It is a great feat to be a cancer survivor. It was a heart touching moment. After the survivors had completed their lap the teams went out in alphabetical order, which in this case meant "Bacon and Eggs" led the walk. As I walked passed the yet unlit luminaries there was the family of our friend who died just a couple of weeks ago holding each other infront of his just placed luminary. If I didn't know before, I knew then why I was there. As we walked we each knew many people whose luminaries were placed in their honor. You could hear people reading off names. Some memories were very fresh in our minds.
We all walked together as a team for the first couple of laps then knowing we had to pace ourselves over the next 12 hours some of us left the trail for our campsite, waiting to take our turns. We didn't really have a schedule for who would walk when, but knowing at least one of us had to be on the trail at all times we just took turns when we felt like it. Every once in awhile someone would get up and head to the lake to start walking and to find any of our team who were walking and tell them it was time for them to rest. As it worked out we all walked at least 4 hours. Kris, Fiona and I were there when the luminaries were being lit, we took turns lighting a few. I walked from 1:30 am to 4 am...to me I picked the best time. By this time the luminaries were all lit, the moon was almost full and shining on the lake. The path looped along the lake and then up a small incline - the lake was always right beside us, with the luminaries on the other side of the path. As we walked on the upper side of the trail we could see the walkers along the lake. I walked with a flashlight in my hand but rarely used it. It was a very calming atmosphere. At that time of night people walked alone, some walked in pairs - there was some chatter but mostly it was quiet, lots of time for reflection and thought. Around 4 am I took a break and headed back to our campsite. One of our group was still awake, 2 were still walking, one was trying to catch a few naps in her lawn chair and the rest had tucked themselves into bed. Kerry and I watched the dark lift, we heard the birds awaken. I went back out to walk at dawn, the first person I saw was my high school English teacher, she walked with her hands behind her back like she was in a contemplative mood, we bid each other "good morning" and kept to our task. My walking partner woke up and caught up with me shortly after 5. I noticed a lot of our walking was done in silence.
It all wrapped up with the teams joining to complete the final lap. With less than a 1/2 hour of sleep all night I was glad to pack up and head home. I came home, threw my clothes into the washer, took a long hot shower and jumped into bed.
Two sore feet, one sore ankle and one sore knee, it was all worthwhile and I will do it again.
It was good, it was all good.
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