header

header

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer Camp Part 3


The boys getting on the bus in the morning.


Today was the third day of summer camp and the boys were once again 
happy to go and still happy when they returned! 
 Since they can't talk, I  have no idea what happened in between the departure and arrival,
 but I'm assuming it was good!

I wanted to share just a little more about the first day when I was 
there with the boys.  I've shared the good...the lovely facility,
the nice bus with kind old men for drivers and an aide, the
staff, which I like very much and that the boys were assigned
the class that we had requested...the one with talkative
people, fun, and more interaction.

And I shared the ugly...the violent boy and the 'almost' encounter
between me and him in the men's restroom!

The 'bad' that I had in mind doesn't seem so bad now, but it
might be something that becomes a problem or a positive!
The teacher is aware and they are keeping an eye on the
situation!  That first day, we had only been in the room about
15 minutes and we were sitting at a table chatting, looking around
at the others there in the class and just taking it all in.

As most of you know, my boys love trains.  Almost everything 
they do during a day has to do with them, whether that is 
looking at a book, watching a DVD, printing pictures of them
or looking at them on youtube or some where else on the internet.
They even have CD's of music and songs about trains!
As we sat there in the class, a familiar voice on recording started
playing in the background along with the sound of a train
at full steam.  For a second it didn't even register with me since
it's just a part of life at our house and I can just about tune them
out since they are a constant. lol...  But then it dawned on me
that I was really hearing this at the day camp!

I asked the teacher if there was a video of trains playing.
And she said, "Oh, yes..that's Caesar over there in the corner!
He loves trains and plays those videos all day and looks at his train
books!"  Well, all three boys jumped up to go see Caesar!
He was sitting at a desk in the corner of the room.
He looked to be about 50 years old...grey hair at least.

She got a little worried and went over to make sure everything
was ok.  She said that he really wouldn't want to share or
be bothered and might raise his hand to hit someone if they tried
to get too close!  But my boys just stood beside him and looked
at the video and he didn't really seem to mind.  I explained that
they loved trains and that's when she pulled out the documentary
that I mentioned before and put it up on the big screen.

The computer belongs to Caesar personally and that is what he
does all day...sits there and does his train stuff.  She said that
I could bring one in for my boys, or even a small DVD player and
have them do the same, but I declined.  Sure, my boys would love
that, but they can do that at home!  The purpose of camp is to
be social, have some new experiences and interact with a new
environment and all of that. 

 Caesar never did seem upset
and at one point of the morning I glanced over and it was only
Harry there beside him.  And they were holding hands! haha.
Now at my house, the boys only do that if they don't want you to do 
something like turn off a DVD or rewind it.  They will hold your hand
  in a death grip so you can't mess with the video!  So, I'm not sure if
Harry was telling Caesar not to change the DVD or if it was Caesar
telling Harry not to touch his computer! haha.

Then for a good hour, Spencer sat just off to the side and wouldn't 
do anything else.  I told his teacher that I was sure he was waiting
for a turn on that computer!   But of course, that isn't going to come,
so Spencer will have to learn that.  Spencer does love his trains
and computers!  And he does love to be in charge!  So time will tell
on what happens with Caesar and his train corner.
I fully expected my boys to try to scoot him off his chair and
take over the computer and that it would be a problem every day!

But I think maybe the trains playing on the big screen will
be a really nice substitute!  And I think that they helped the
first day seem fun and comfortable for the boys.
What a nice surprise!  And who knows...maybe Caesar
will think it's fun to have others in the class pay attention to
him and share a love of trains.  I hope a miracle happens
and a friendship is formed.  :)

And that ends my long winded camp posts.
Yay!  I told my friend Nan, who ran into me at the grocery today
that I've had enough drama in the last month!  I'm ready
to post something boring like photos of flowers! hahaha.

Thanks for listening...and thanks for all your words of wisdom
and prayers.  They are much appreciated!

xo




56 comments:

  1. I love that they held hands. I hope that is a good sign too. thank you for the glimpses into your lives. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...well, it wasn't a friendship thing by any means. One was preventing the other from touching the computer...which one, I couldn't tell! lol....

      Delete
  2. Oh that is so sweet about Harry and Caesar. I can just see them holding hands. Makes my heart smile. I hope they will be good friends. Yay Summer Camp!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well, it wasn't a friendly thing...but maybe it could turn into that! :)

      Delete
  3. I hope the train videos remain a positive experience for all. Glad the boys are still happy to go to camp and are happy when they come home : ) I know that makes you feel much more secure in your decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that is for sure...if they were unhappy when they got home, I'd already be regretting them going!

      Delete
  4. All are happy campers so far
    Not fighting over the train car
    That is good as hand holding comes due
    One preventing the other which no clue
    Maybe they will get along
    And play train songs all day long

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so you read every word
      and didn't skim like a nerd?
      lol....

      Delete
    2. Nope, no skimming came due
      That I'll let your twin give a go at your zoo haha

      Delete
  5. I think it's a good sign that they are leaving happy and coming home happy. And I hope the train thing turns out to be a big positive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too....it would be kind of fun for them to have a fellow classmate that shared their obsession!

      Delete
  6. Oh dear, well I feel the things going well (crossing fingers) and the most important you feel they are happy, about this I was thinking Betsy always is difficult new things, new sites, new persons, new friends, the changes are difficult to me too, Im still praying all nights, huggs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes is funny they find there other person love trains like them LOL

      Delete
  7. very cool...and very cute too the holding of the hands...ha...maybe they were both trying to keep the other from stopping it...smiles...sounds like they have enough comforts to fit right in there...very cool...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that is exactly what they were doing...it wasn't a friendship thing! ha.

      Delete
  8. I try to make every day a learning experience and you have 3 x to learn every day.
    Thats like, such a great thing to be able to do and every day you see something nice and different, it touches you.They look like good happy boys.

    The boys do learn and being with other kids like this is very good for them and also gives you a break.
    I am glad they found other people who like what they do. Maybe bringing some magazines of trains would be an idea. That way if they lose them it's not such a big deal.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah, it might be...but trains are such an obsession for my boys while they are at home. I think it's good for them to get away from all of that and broaden their interests! Caesar won't help that...but that is out of my control. It would be kinda cool if they got along, though...a friendship would be very fun for all of them.

      Delete
  9. I am smiling because I can't help thinking of the biblical quote, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's..."

    I am wondering if the boys took some sort of train-related gift to Caesar that maybe he would gradually include them? Hard to say. I am glad to hear things are settling - loved the pics of the boys heading to the bus. Hope you are resting a little easier. Time to do some of the fun things on your list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hmmm....that's an idea. I wonder if my boys would be willing to give up a train gift!? ha.

      Caesar needs a shirt that says that quote! haha.

      Delete
    2. I was thinking that they might not want to give it up too! Maybe they need two of the same thing - one for them and one for Caesar. Either way, he might come around if he got a treat of some kind. Who knew they would find a fellow train-brain! Hope the storms aren't too fierce around you - very grey here today.

      Delete
    3. I was thinking that they might not want to give it up too! Maybe they need two of the same thing - one for them and one for Caesar. Either way, he might come around if he got a treat of some kind. Who knew they would find a fellow train-brain! Hope the storms aren't too fierce around you - very grey here today.

      Delete
  10. So glad for a happy ending to the camp posts!!!{fingers crossed}...{ and toes }...ha!
    Now....Miss Betsy...if I may quote you word for word...
    "I'm ready to post something boring like photos of flowers" hahaha!
    I know you didn't really mean that, right?........right Betsy?!
    Hopefully Martha won't read this post!! hahaha!
    I LOVE FLOWERS!!!

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...well, it was a tease on you about your post...hahaha. But I was serious about being ready to
      getting back to the normal kind of posts. lol....I love boring...it's quiet and stressfree! lol.

      Delete
  11. Change is hard for a lot of us.
    I really admire Spence, Harry, Alex and YOU!
    I'm glad you shared this moment and experience with us.

    Bring on the flowers! Or birds or cats or wedding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are going right along with the flow...it's been great!

      yes, bring on the flowers..or something! ha. Wedding is still a ways away...July 21st.

      Delete
  12. That would be something if the boys become friends with Caesar. Here's hoping!

    "the boys were once again
    happy to go and still happy when they returned!" Very good signs that they are enjoying camp. Yaaa!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wouldn't it? They've never had a real friend...one with similar likes, etc. That would be awesome!

      Delete
  13. Every happy day for your boys will be theirs forever. And they have already experienced and managed three, that´s wonderful. And Ceasar´s trains might be the key (not an obstacle) to social interaction. You never know!- But I am really glad, you already seem to get accustomed to the winds of change much better. So I´m looking forward to "boring" everyday life again, even though it always is touching and interesting to hear about your very special life with your boys.
    Take care
    Christel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you're right..about the trains being a key instead of an obstacle! I'll have to call in next week some time and get the scoop on how everyone is doing. :)

      Delete
  14. Hi Betsy .. I'm going backwards to read your posts .. it must be daunting for you in these scenarios .. but something that has to happen and you manage it all so well .. just being and watching. I too hope everything pans out happily .. and those staff are such brilliant people .. with being patient, wary and yet loving as they keep their eyes open. You've done amazingly well with your three ... huge credit to you, your hubby, Taylor and now Lauren .. Big hugs - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, hilary...so far so good! I'm very optimistic! :)

      Delete
  15. I really hope with all my heart that they become friends. It's not really normal in life to find somebody who just happens to share the exact same interests as you, especially such a deep interest which this guy Ceasar and your boys seem to share. Hoping for all the best Betsy, I constantly find myself inspired and moved whenever I visit here, you really are one heck of an amazing lady, the boys are so lucky although while I type that I know that every day you feel lucky to have them so it works both ways, wish them all the best at the camp although hopefully they tell you more details!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know...it really would be cool, wouldn't it?

      Delete
  16. Hi Betsy! I love reading your blog. I don't get around to reading too much on the computer as I have three wild boys that need my attention a lot and I love it!

    I want to tell you a little story. My husband worked for a GM dealership when we first moved here to Oregon. There was a little African American man that did the auto detailing there. His name was Terry and he was very autistic. He was one of a set of triplets and they all had autism. He was pretty non-verbal and could detail those cars like no tomorrow and he could do it better than anybody else there. It was amazing. The only time he talked is when he would ask when your birthday was. He had to know the month, day and year. When you told him he could tell you what day you were born on. It was amazing. We tested him with our kids' birthdays and he came out right every time. He was a genius.

    I know you have guardianship over the boys but I hope this story gives you hope, too. Terry was in his 50's doing this kind of work. He was an amazing man and so are your three boys! I can't wait for the future to see what it holds for them.

    Shari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shari! Thanks for commenting and for that sweet story! And how great that the dealership gave him a job there that he could enjoy. Love that!

      Delete
  17. I keep picturing Harry and Caesar holding hands, and it makes me chuckle. :) Sometimes these things work themselves out in ways we can't imagine. Praying that is the case here. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just heard from a reliable source that Caesar IS a hand holder...do maybe he initiated that with Harry. haha...now that would be cute!

      Delete
  18. I don't believe it is an accident that the boys ended up in class with Caesar and the trains. ;) blessings ~ tanna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no...no accidents in life, that is for sure. :)

      Delete
  19. I'm so glad that things are continuing to go well and that the boys are coming home happy and comfortable going back the next day. That has to make you feel good. And what a coincidence that there's another train lover in the group -- I hope that turns out to be a positive thing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks dawn....Maybe if the boys bring in one of their train dvd's, Caesar will enjoy it, too!

      Delete
  20. Such interesting journaling of summer camp and a fascinating way for us to take a another look "inside your world" of five men. Thanks for sharing - I look forward to part 4.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, mary....not part 4...at least not tomorrow. lol....

      Delete
  21. Quite an intriguing situation. Hope it all works out for the best. It'd be great if Caesar became a friend to the boys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wouldn't it, though? I would love that.

      Delete
    2. hopefully life will calm down now...I don't think anyone can really understand the amount of
      stress I've been under.

      Delete
  22. Yes...you have had more than your share of drama in the last month! I've enjoyed the camp stories, and it sounds like it is going to be a good experience for the boys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm exhausted! ha...really looking forward to just puttering around the house today...alone...haha...

      Delete
  23. I have appreciated seeing that you are a normal mom with worries and hopes for her children just like the rest of us, but I know what you mean about posting something "boring". My fishing post the other day was actually a distraction from the ache I was feeling at losing my dog. God knows just how to arrange our lives and He has great love for your boys. I pray this is the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah...boring, as in free from stress and drama. lol...so come back tonight and see something boring. haha.

      Delete
  24. Thanks for sharing this experience. After the first part, I kept coming back to make sure not to miss 2 & 3. I almost feel like I went to summer camp with you and the boys. :) I hope that it continues to be a positive experience for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. they came home happy again, so I guess the goodness continues! :)

      Delete

I'm serving coffee! Stay and chat!
And no awards, please! Your comments are my awards!