Summer Camp Blues

16 Jul 2014 Comments Off

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Below is another great post from MaryBeth. Enjoy!

~Sallie

Dear Mommy and Daddy”. I knew in an instant what the letter I was reading would be about. Our son, “T” was at his first ever summer camp and a long (on my part) 2 weeks had passed when the letter arrived in the mail. “T” is our oldest and the idea of time away from home seemed like a great adventure when he first broached the subject with us.

I remember the brochure promised safety, well-trained counselors, art and sport activities and a chance for our boys to be on their own. “T” was very excited when we told him he could go. Thank goodness, my husband helped him pack, as everything would have disappeared into his duffel bag if it had fit! “He’ll be fine”, my husband told me as we watched the travelers drive away.

I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, that he needed to spread his wings and fly away (at least for a month!) and that he’d have a wonderful time. But oh, I missed him! The summer days were long without him and my “helper” was, temporarily his younger sister. Car trips to the library weren’t the same and neither were the sun-dappled days of playing catch or lemonade coloring days on our deck.

“I’m having a great time! T.J. (his best friend from home) and I won the fishing contest!” Well, I thought as I continued to read. It was good that T.J. was with him as he knew someone at least. “Yesterday, we had macaroni and cheese for lunch, but it didn’t taste as good as yours, Mommy.” Here it comes, I thought…… but the next sentence really surprised me. “This is really a great place and I hope you’ll let me come again next year.” Ok, I’ll admit it – I lost it!

My husband was perplexed and then said some words that I heard in the shelter of his arms. “Mary Beth, he’s having a wonderful time. He’s learning and laughing and being a boy. He has to grow up sometime. You’re a great Mom and he loves you as we all do. I think you have a case of the Summer Camp Blues. How about we gather up the kids and head over to the diner for dinner?”

Summer Camp Survivor,

Mary Beth

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You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com