Time of Possibilities
Time of Possibilities
The willow sways
Timeless memories
Drift upon wind
As I begin writing this, I wonder how to convey the magic of Lions' Camp. How do I describe the many experiences I had there? How do I ever share the lessons learned? How can I express my gratitude for that 'time of possibility'? It is not without much soul searching that I say to you perhaps I cannot. It was a time that was unique to each of us who share its memories. It was freedom … it was building of spirit … it was being a 'normal' kid … it was CAMP!
A tiny seed
Of strength yet to be
Dream yet to dream
I was a very shy and unsure ten-year-old in the summer of '65. I was legally blind and had been since birth. My world was one of blurry edges, books held within inches of my face, and eyes that always seemed to be playing catch up but they never really did. Usually I was a step behind or a few to the left or right of where I should be and seemed to be looking at life 'from the window of passing opportunities'. Although my family treated my blindness as more of an inconvenience to me than a hardship for them, I knew that not all the world would do so.
Roots sprouting
Seeking its knowledge
Within life's truth
I remember the first time I heard the words 'summer camp'. Fear and excitement battled each other for the right to claim the pounding of my heart. Fear won! Excitement dwindled as the prospect of being away from home for two weeks sank in, but a very persuasive Lions' Club member kept nudging. Soon my parents and I were agreeing to sign two weeks of my life over to the Louisiana Lions' Camp for Crippled Children. I did not realize it then but I was being given a gift, one that would give me memories to last a lifetime.
Uncertainty
Waters a seedling
With doubt and fear
When I saw the campgrounds in Leesville, Louisiana for the first time, I was struck by its simple beauty and the quiet peace that welcomed me. But I was still so scared to be there and, to be honest, that first week was hard for me. I wanted to go home! This had nothing to do with Lions' Camp or its staff. I was simply homesick and it took me time to get past that. But with the kindness and patience shown me by my counselors, fellow campers, and staff, that second week was one I would never forget. When the time came to leave, it was with mixed feelings that I boarded that bus for home. I knew that I would return.
But the sun warms
This fledgling spirit
And time nurtures
In the five summers that followed I blossomed. By the time I attended my last session the shy and unsure ten-year-old had become a capable young woman of almost sixteen years. I do give my time at Lions' Camp credit for helping to mold me into the young woman I did become. And I thank God each day that I had the opportunity to discover myself while among those who never felt the need to ask what was 'wrong' with me. There... it did not matter.
As seasons pass
Young fragility
Finds truth of self
I remember the trips to Hodges Gardens and a counselor who took the time to describe what I could not see. The campfires and songfests, the cookouts and overnight camp outs, the talent shows and skits, all have found a place in my journal of memories. The first time I met a horse and that first time I was allowed to hold the reins and ride alone are found there as well. Archery was always interesting for me and that first bulls-eye was a thrill. I remember the crafts I made and how even the goof-ups were special. I learned to swim there. How proud I was! BB guns, all sports … so much I was able to experience … so many accomplishments I was able to take with me at the end of my camping days. To say 'thank you' hardly seemed enough then... and certainly not now.
And pride is known
Within heart and soul
Of the willow
But for all these memories and the great times I had, this is still not the true magic that was Lions' Camp. It was the invisibility of barriers that I remember. It was where the deaf and the blind could communicate no matter the impossibility of it and where the boy without arms and the girl without legs could laugh, could sing, could make memories. It was where wheelchairs and crutches were less important than learning the words to The Titanic and Kumbaya . It was where 'special' kids could be just ordinary kids! Normalcy of spirit lived and breathed there. And just as it was then so it is today. New faces are making new memories … and their own time of possibilities. New faces are finding the magic....
Once a seedling
Now a willow grown
And remembering
© mdbadgerow 2008
Rev. 2009
Posted for the Kids challenge
Theme: An Adventrous Week at Summer Camp
Host: Mariannajo
&
Catch the Soaring Star challenge
Host: Creativity5363
Phrase: from the window of passing opportunities
© 2009 Myrna D.
(All rights reserved)
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