Mandy is going to a brain injury camp Sunday for 1 week, I am a nerves wreck. I'm so worried about how she'll make out without me, today Mark said I'm gonna really miss her a whole week without her I said me too, I can't imagine. It's funny because I can't wait to get a real break then when I do I don't want it I want to keep her here with me to protect her, she needs so much help with things. They have been doing this camp for many years and know how to give the abundant help these people need, I still worry about her though...they're just not Mom. I'm sure she'll be fine it will be a good experience for her ...I'm sure she's dying to get away from me. Well let ya know how it goes.
                    Nancy :'(

I  :'( :'( :'( so hard when I dropped off Brandon for a two week camp when he was ten...but had a blast...and it all worked out.   It is amazing whatever the camp is specialized for...the kid is in great hands.  Im sure Mandy will do GREAT...and the time apart will simply only make you two even closer when you get her back again.  One week isn't so bad...really..it is there for a reason.  ;)....let us know how it goes...hugs, CarasMOM

Hang in there Nancy. You won't believe how fast the week will go.

Rena

Nancy,

I hope tomorrow (and the rest of the week) goes well!  I'll hazard a guess that it will be harder on you and Mark than it will Mandy.  It's an wonderful gift you're giving her - a chance to "try her wings" with people other than her parents right there to take of her.

Yes, there's nothing like a mom, but I'm sure she'll have a great week!  I'll look forward to your updates on how it all went.

Jill

If I know Mandy, she’s going to brighten up everyone’s heart this week with her smile and determination. I think you both need this girl. I remember how independent and strong she was prior to her strokes, so this may help her more than we can ever imagine. God love her! Tell her how proud I am of her and I love her!

Oh, and Nance, are you practicing up on your Macarana and hitting the bars while she’s gone this week, (like ol’ times), or staying home with the candle light dinners? Either way, Enjoy!  [smiley=wink2.gif] Our Mandy girl will do just great!

Mar

Oh! Big surprise Mandy is dancing, doing arts and crafts and swimming so far, guess I worried for nothing...hmmmm never did that before. She's having a blast never even called I had to call the camp couldn't take it any more 2 days ago to see how she was doing. I'm so happy for her. She goes into an 8 week life skills rehab to learn to care for herself with one hand and to do more intense physical, ocupational therapy and speech, on July 11th. This camp will prime her for that being away...or maybe prime me I think is more like it. We miss her so much!
                                Nancy :'(

That's awesome news about Mandy!  Sounds like she's having a great time!

-Shari

Glad to hear Mandy is having a blast.  [smiley=sayyes.gif]

Are you having some fun Nancy? Sometimes it's harder for the parents to remember how to have fun after all you have been thru.  [smiley=huh.gif]

Nancy,I am soooo happy for you both!!! I know what the daily care is and I"m sure now that you know she's doing great you can maybe rest just a bit.It really brought tears to my eyes to hear you talk about this.I hope some day I can do this for Kathleen and "let her go". She goes to school every day but it's filled with people she's know for 3 yrs.Even still I just can't wait till I pick her up every afternoon.I'm looking forward to summer but know that it's going to be a long day with ehr home and us trying to keep up with our therapies and schoolwork at home.The 8 week life skills camp sounds AMAZNG!!! I know that one day we will definatly need this.I just don't know how young they would start a child and I know I could only do it if it was just a "day camp" type.I wonder if rehab hospitals take this type of patient? She was in a rehab for a month right after her strokes, but her needs are totally different now than they were then. Again I'm sooooo glad Mandy is getting this oppotunity!!! Will she have pictures from camp???Would LOVE to see them! AS always I love hearing about you and Mandy.Waht a great mom she has and what a great daughter you have!Thanks for sharing....
Mary Grace

We Picked Mandy up from camp today she was really upset to leave the councilers. She actually went with one arm mind you, gun target shooting, did archery, canoeing, sang Kareokee(sp) did arts and crafts made leather key chains and stuff, was dancing (and no Mar she didn't do the macarena I didn't teach her it before you even ask). Went swimming, played kick ball did yoga, played games. The most interesting part I wish I could have seen was a neuroscience Doc. came in and let them touch a real brain (with rubber gloves on) and showed them one with a slice out of it and explained where they're strokes were and showed Mandy where her sta-mca was where they did it...how cool is that I would have love to see that, no wondering how after that huh! They said she was the comedian of the cabin she had them cracking up everyday, thats my Mandy, everything turned out really well she had a blast and wants to go next year for 2 weeks thats the max. Yes I did relax and enjoy my time as much as possible, yea Rena when you finally get to do it you realize you kinda did forgot how to relax and have some fun. Thanks for listening.
                         Nancy  [smiley=mellow.gif]

That is GREAT  ;;D !!!  Those things really get them going too....now she may want to do more things, try more things...and continue to move ahead.  The 8 week skit sounds great too !!!   ;;D CarasMOM

Oh wow Nance, that sounds totally awesome!! All that stuff she did sounds just like our Mandy before her strokes, doesn't it? I knew she'd love it and do really well!! I'm so tickled she had a chance to experience all that again. I could just cry. My prayers are always answered.

Thanks for sharing Nance. It made my day!!

Mar

Nancy,
Glad to hear Mandy had such a great time and that you did relax some.

Tyler is going to OH this summer to spend time with my family and I have been trying to figure out what I can do without any kids for that long. Heck, I don't even have a man to take care of....lol.

So I know what you went thru, and that is why I kept asking about you Nancy. Glad it went well for both of you.

Rena