Every mom knows that finding time to do things for yourself is nearly impossible some days. When you have a special needs child, the challenge is even greater. A few nights ago, Camp Echoing Hills had a special “Mom’s Night” for moms of kids with autism and other special needs. They even offered care for kids so moms could enjoy the time together! To say I was excited to go is a huge understatement!
I wasn’t sure how Casey and Rob would do going to camp on a Friday and not spending the night, so I asked my parents to watch them. They even kept them all night so I could stay at the dinner as long as I wanted to! And get a whole night of sleep when I got home . I’m not sure what I was more excited for!
My close friend, Cherie, and I were going to go out to the camp together. We had read a few posts about what Lauren and Emily had planned, but honestly, the chance to eat a meal in peace and quiet (and one we didn’t have to make!) was so exciting, we weren’t really thinking about what else they may have planned.
When we got there, the room was decorated with fall things, white lights were strung on the beams of the ceiling and a fire was in the fireplace. Amazing! And then we saw the food – oh my goodness – the food! People who work at the camp and the residential part donated food for us. Chicken sandwiches, salad, bread, cheesy potatoes…. and then the desserts! And all we had to do was fill our plates and enjoy every single bite! No worrying about the kids or waiting to refill their plates and watching how much they ate (and yeah, I ate more than I have in weeks! 🙂 ) Many nights, at home, I fix one plate, then the other and often, the first one is done and wants more and then the other wants more. My food is cold and I could care less if I eat it. Just eating slowly and talking to other moms and enjoying every bite was enough of a treat!
But then, they played a getting to know you game which brought some laughs. And we made a hand scrub to soften our hands. It felt amazing – and I’ve used it on my feet, too – works amazing! And they had women to give us manicures (when was the last time I had one of those?? hmmm… years! I usually just slap some polish on – if I find time for that!) And those ladies were so kind and fun to talk to. And while some of us had our nails done, others were getting facials and lip scrubs. Then we switched. I have no idea when the last time I pampered my skin like that was. I always plan on doing it, but something comes up and I don’t get to do it.
We got to visit with other moms. Moms just like us who have little time for things other people take for granted. We got to brag about the accomplishments our kids have made and to encourage moms with younger kids. (and that’s so important – our lives can be lonely and scary at times) I heard stories about how Rob and Casey act at camp – what they enjoy and their friends’ names. So many ladies came to me and told me how much they love Casey and Rob – how much fun they are to be around. I was ready to cry – to know that others see how beautiful and awesome and funny and loving they are was so wonderful. I always worry that their quirks might make it hard for people to see their true selves – this is proof that the real Rob and Casey are seen! So much love!
Cherie and I saw pictures of our boys from the first time they were at camp together. They were both so little – small enough to sit on the bottom bunk and look at a book together. We saw a picture of them drawing pictures together. They were so young and looked so happy!
We stayed the whole evening and loved every minute. And since the camp is a 20-25 minute drive from my house, we had long talks on the way and coming home. Talks about things that most people don’t understand, but that we could say to each other because there would be no judgment, no criticism. Just complete and total understanding. We can share the fears that only another special needs mom can understand and feel better knowing we aren’t alone in those fears. Sharing relieves some of the fear.
I even got over 9 hours of sleep! Like straight through, nothing waking me up, sleep! And a long walk on a cold morning before I went to pick up the kids. It is amazing how an evening like that can totally change your attitude. Emily and Lauren said they are hoping to do something like this again – and I’m so hoping they do and that more moms will come. I don’t know if they can really, truly understand how amazing the evening was! They even gave us gift bags with more items to pamper ourselves at home. I wish “thank you” could tell them just how much I enjoyed the evening, but it doesn’t seem like enough. Bless everyone who helped make us moms feel special and pampered! You are all amazing!