Blessings of 2020

My blessings were This Big!

2020 brought a lot of things. It brought sadness, happiness, frustration, contentment, anger, activism, cruelty, bickering, cohesiveness, grumbling, whining and more. However, as I reflect and think back, I realize I personally have too many blessings to truly grumble or whine about anything. I really don't like myself when I grumble and whine, and believe me I have done my share of both this year. As I look forward to 2021 and beyond, I have decided to try and focus on all of my blessings in life. In order to help me do that, I am going to write my blessings here in my blog. This way I can read it whenever I want. My personal journal if you will. This should help me to be less whiny, and grumble less as I move forward. I recommend you do the same. We all have had more than our share of things to whine and grumble about this year, I do know that. I know some people have more than others depending on job status, health, etc. I also believe we all have at least 1 blessing to count, probably more if we really search for them. By writing them down, I believe it will help me/us to remember them easier and be more thankful in the moment. My grandma, God rest her soul, told me if you focus on the blessings you have it will help you forget some of your troubles and be more happy with life as it is. We can all use a little less trouble and a lot more happiness in our moments. Don't you agree? So, will you join me in writing down your blessings and sharing them?

My first, and most important blessing, is Connie. She is honestly one of the most sincere, caring, loving, giving, intelligent, funny, and beautiful people I know. And I mean beautiful in every sense of the word. She makes me laugh every day, and laughter makes any day better. She teaches me every day, and helps me to grow as a person. She forces me to look at things in different ways, and always honestly. If she was my only blessing, I would consider myself a very rich man indeed!

Of course I have several other blessings to count. The combination of all my blessings makes me one of the richest men in the world. I am quite possibly the richest! My extended family is a blessing in several ways, and an extension of the blessings I receive from Connie. They welcome me into their family with open arms. They make me feel important and worthy. They make me laugh. They make me feel secure, and I know if I asked any one of them for something they would bend over backwards to get it for me and/or make it happen. Or they would laugh at me, depending on the request :0). Laughter is a blessing!

Pets are a blessing. And even though both of our pets died this Fall, they were blessings for sure. Rosie would curl up on my lap, and by doing so would bring a sense of peace and serenity. She could get you through the worst of days just by being there. Coco made me laugh! I have never met a dog with a sense of aloofness about her. Yet, she was loyal and showed it. Sometimes I wondered if her aloofness was just part of her humor. Honestly, if I called her to come inside she would strut past me with her tail and head held high as she ignored me. She would also stop, and seemingly look back at me to make sure I am watching it all. Sometimes, I would have to pick her up to get her inside. Yet she would lick my face off if I let her. 

My friends are a big blessing. I am quite certain I have more friends than one person deserves. Maybe more than anyone else in the world, but I don't like to count or compete when it comes to friends and friendships. We should all have as many friends as possible, so no need to compete. I just know that I have so many people in my corner, that life is just a lot easier because of them. I haven't had too many rough moments in my lifetime, that is for sure. But for every rough moment, I have had multiple friends step up to the plate to help me through. Whether it be with a warm hug (not this year of course), or a word of encouragement, or simply an open ear and a closed mouth to allow me to process my feelings. 

I am blessed with a career that serves me well. I do mean serve me. I know nursing is looked upon as a career where the nurse is serving others. Rightfully so, as most nurses I know do serve others. And I do my best to serve the people that are put in my care. But, by serving them, it serves me so much more. It serves me with new friendships. I receive a  sense of self worth and purpose. It gives me security for a stable future. It has opened doors to me that I never knew existed. Be it through seeing different cultures, or traveling to exotic and interesting places. It has led me down some interesting paths in life, like working with people who have disabilities. Trust me when I say, that is something I didn't even want to do. I am so grateful I did though. I have met some of my best friends in the world through my work with Easter Seals camps. Several of my friends have disabilities, and I am quite certain I would have never met them if I had not become a nurse. My life is incredibly rich thanks to these people. Again, my career serving me. In a bizarre and funny way, nursing has led me to being a clown. This has allowed me to use a unique talent to help others. I still can't believe this funny talent helps others, but I know it does a good part of the time. In turn, becoming a clown has led me to several people and places in my life that I would have probably ignored other wise. Like all of my friends in Russia and other countries.  I am forever grateful for those people, and the opportunities presented to me through clowning! And to think I stumbled into nursing 28 years ago without even knowing what I was getting into. Thank God I did!

Not only has my career blessed me, but my current job has as well. Working with children is the ultimate joyful work. Kids make me laugh every day and they teach me so much. Just ask Connie, as I come home a lot of times and ramble on and on about this kid or that kid. They can teach you too, if you pay close attention :0). My coworkers are some of the best people I know, and I am happy to work beside them.

I am blessed with a warm and cozy home. Yummy food to help nourish me and give me energy. (Thank you Connie!). A reliable vehicle to allow me to travel easier, and get to my job. Technology, so that I can see the faces of people who live thousands of miles away from me, or even just a few miles in these crazy times. it also allows me to stay in touch via written word, like my blog and emails (for those old school people). I am blessed with God given talents that make me and my friends laugh, or roll their eyes if appropriate. Which of course just makes me laugh even harder. I am blessed with enough clothes to keep me warm in the winter or cool in the summer. I am blessed with birds all around me that bring me joy. I get to view several creatures where I live, even ones that go bump in the night thanks to our field cam. I am blessed with nature all around me that allows me to escape into quiet peacefulness whenever I feel the need. I am blessed with neighbors who bake us brownies when our animals die. I am blessed with the knowledge of knowing there are a slew of people out in the world trying to make it better for others, many of whom are my friends. 

As I look back at my blessings from this post, it gives me comfort. And I know I have other blessings that I am just not able to recall at the moment. I am sure I will recall some more as I go forward, and I will write them down for myself. I can't write them ALL here, as that would make for a ridiculously long post.

So, let's all move forward to a bright future. As we chase rainbows, unicorns, puppies, friends, waterfalls, and whatever else might make you feel happy. May you all have many blessings bestowed upon you in 2021 and beyond. May you remember those blessings during tough times to help you through. And most of all, may your lives be filled with LOVE AND LAUGHTER ALWAYS!!

                 Now Go Out and Hug Someone in 2021!!!

Coco The Wonder Dog

Coco The Wonder Dog

Coco was a wonder dog in many ways. First of all, she made us wonder why we even adopted her in the first place. When we adopted her, she was over 13 years old and lived in Florida her whole life. After adopting her, we brought her to live in Wisconsin. Here she endured her first COLD and SNOWY winter. A little over a year later and she has broken our heart.  

Even with the snow over her head, she enjoyed it! 

It was a wonder she even survived a winter here after 13 years in Florida. She actually seemed to thrive in it, and that was a wonder also! Like a kid who had never seen snow in their life, but loved it. That was how she appeared last winter. The novelty had worn off by this Fall though, as she shivered during the October snow.

For a dog who grew up in Florida with an elderly owner, it was a wonder that she loved hiking as much as we did. She got to enjoy many of the Ice Age Trails in our area and even a trip to Michigan for a hike.

She was so funny when she "hopped" through the grass. 

Just look at that smile :0)!

It was a wonder how much she wiggled her way into our hearts. We considered ourselves "large dog" people. Well, she was small in stature, but certainly large in personality. She would give you a snub one minute and and then snuggle in your arms the next. She was truly a wonder to behold. Today, after several weeks of decline, we decided to put her down and let her cross the Rainbow Bridge. We are hoping she has met Joey and Truman by now. She can certainly hang with the big dogs from our experience with her, and that might be the biggest wonder of them all! RIP dear friend! We sure did enjoy your WONDERful stay!                                                                             

                 Now go out and Hug a 4 Legged Friend Today!!!

Sweet Rosie

 

                                                   Sweet Rosie. She loved to curl up for a nap.

Rosie was 18 and a half when we decided to put her to rest this past Thursday. We believe she came out of the womb itching and scratching her ears. She suffered with allergies her whole life. But she was still one of the sweetest cats I have ever met. I met her when she was 13, and it is safe to say I took an instant liking to her. She was probably the "sickest" animal Connie has ever had, yet she outlived 2 dogs and her sister. She sure was tough, and sweet. Did I mention she was a sweetie? She was tested early in life for allergies. It turns out she was allergic to everything except air. Yet she would not take medicine to save her soul. Tough and Sweet for sure! She still lived a happy, loving life even through all the agony of the itchiness she must have felt. Her ears were a constant source of allergic reactions. Whenever she shook her head, which she did from time to time, it would spew some funky liquids around. But she still found time to curl up for a good nap. She loved her soft bed or a good comfy lap to lay on. Sometimes she would lay on your shoulder and keep an eye on the world around her. That always just made me chuckle. Another reason to like her.

                                                 This was one of her favorite spots. I loved it.

She really loved humans. And we will miss her so much. There was just something so sincere and sweet in her demeanor. She was the cat that Katie loved instantly, and that love was reciprocated deeply. She also loved to give a good "hug". She particularly liked to hug Connie. She knew who truly cared her. 

One of her many hugs given to Connie.

Whenever I was feeling sick, she would come comfort me with a hug. Like she knew somehow.

                           

Now after years of giving love to others as she suffered through some allergic itchiness, maybe she can bask in the golden light of whatever is next. That is what I will believe anyway. 

RIP my sweet friend. Bask in the light.

                 Now Go Out and Hug a Furry Friend Today!!!

My Fabulous Step Daughter

 

Katie and Louie

Meet my fabulous Step Daughter Katie! I can't even begin to express how proud I am of this young lady. She is finishing up an English degree during the pandemic while working full time as a manager of a fun, healthy restaurant. She is a super "mom" to her dog Louie. A recent story, which I will share soon, has put my pride over the top! 

It is a crazy world we live in right now. Some people take the crazy to a whole new level. I understand some of the frustrations people feel right now. I mean, I have to wear a mask AND a shield 12 hours a day at work. It is not fun, I get it! However, what I don't understand is why we have to hurt others to express our frustrations. I have read a few stories recently about people being injured while asking others to put on a mask. In some cases it is the policy of the business someone has decided to go to. In other cases it is an actual mandate by law. I feel if we could just mandate it for all states, we would truly be UNITED again. 

The recent story about Katie makes me nervous, yet so proud! The pride out weighs the nerves for sure! Of course I would rather nobody ever getting hurt. However,  I would rather have someone get hurt for doing the right thing, than someone else being hurt because nobody stood up for them. Katie is a stand up woman for sure! And in this story, nobody got hurt. Thank Goodness! 

Katie was at her gym recently waiting to check in. There is a screening process at the door. The young lady who was doing the screening asked a customer to put on her mask before allowing her to enter. The woman apparently freaked out and started yelling at this 22 year old worker. CRAZY!

This is where Katie stepped in. Katie stepped up and told this lady on no uncertain terms that she was not allowed to yell at this worker. In Katie's words she said "Whoa, whoa, whoa. She doesn't make the laws, she's just doing her job. You don't get to talk to her like that. Go put your mask on." The lady said "Fine. I will go get my mask.". 

The 22 year old thanked Katie and told her she could go in now. Katie stepped up again and said "Oh no, I am not leaving you here alone. I will stay here until the crazy lady is gone.". Needless to say, Katie is everybody's new favorite person at the gym! :0)

In her funny, humble way she deflected praise. She told her mom "I was just helping the kid out". Let me remind you, Katie is only 23 herself! Ha. Oh that kid! Or can I even call her a kid anymore? She is more grown up than I am! One thing is for sure, I do love her and am so proud of her!

Now Go Out and Hug Someone!!! 
But please wear a mask and wash your hands appropriately!!!

Petrova's Promise

 

Valya and Kim

If you are looking for some inspiration during this trying time, look no further. Petrova's Promise can certainly supply some of that! Petrova's Promise is a non profit that was started by Kim and John Wepler. Kim is a friend of mine that I met through Maria. Kim and John help set up and fund Foster Homes in Russia. More specifically, Foster Homes for children with disabilities. In Russia, orphans have a rough road to travel and most never get a chance at a "normal" life. Orphans with disabilities have the worst of it. They are labeled early in life, and it is nearly impossible for them to shake the label. It doesn't matter how much they grow and learn, they will always have labels to hold them back. A typical orphan will get some education in the orphanage, and then some remedial training when they are older. This might help them get a job and an apartment where they can live. Orphans with disabilities however, don't even get that  opportunity. They are not taught anything because it is deemed a waste of time. At the age of 19, they are placed out of the orphanage and sent to a group home to live the rest of their lives.  

Take the story of Valya for instance. She was abandoned by her family. She lived on the streets of her village for a while with a pack of dogs. She learned how to survive from a pack of dogs!! So much so, that when authorities found her she couldn't speak Russian and didn't even eat with her hands. She ate her food right out of a bowl with her mouth, just like she had learned from the dogs. She was taken to an orphanage. Unfortunately she was so developmentally delayed, it affected the other orphans learning as well. So she was moved to an orphanage for children with disabilities. While living with the children in the first orphanage she was able to learn from watching them. This showed Kim and John that she had the ability to learn, if someone took the time. On top of this, Valya was a happy, enthusiastic child. Can you even imagine being abandoned, living on the streets for a while, being placed in an orphanage, and then moved to another orphanage... and coming out being happy and enthusiastic? This girl definitely has a lot to show the world about living. This is why John and Kim made it a priority to get her into their first Foster Home. Just imagine, if it weren't for the work of Kim and John, she would have to live in a group home at the age of 19. Check out the short video below and try not to smile! I wonder how this child can be so happy?!? But she is truly a happy soul!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=KYuLyHb8qEQ&feature=emb_logo

You may wonder how Kim and John got to this point in their lives. Well, they have one biological son named Cory, but had always wanted to adopt. Kim wanted to adopt from Poland since her heritage is Polish. When she called an adoption agency about it, they said it was impossible to adopt from Poland, but recommended they adopt from Russia. Kim and John said sure! They went on to adopt a girl named Camie when she was 5 months old. That was in July of 2001. Camie's Russian surname was Petrova, hence Petrova's Promise. It took a 5 day trip to Russia for them to adopt Camie. On their last night in Moscow, Kim started crying because she felt bad for taking Camie away from her country. Plus she had fallen in love with Russia and the people there, especially the children. Kim didn't want to leave. She was getting ready for dinner that last night when she had a "light bulb" moment... she needed to come back to Russia to help orphans with disabilities. In America she was a pediatric physical therapist, so she knew she had the skill set to help these children who desperately needed some help. She made a "promise" to come back and help.

It was very difficult to find someone to help her get into the orphanages for kids with special needs. It took 5 years to do this! While she was trying to find a way in, she was also helping her adoption agency work with families that were adopting. While in the office one day, a family called to decline their referral because the baby was going to be "a month too old when they brought her home". The agency jokingly told Kim that she should adopt this baby because she looked like her. That is all it took for Kim, and they adopted another daughter, Claira, in the summer of 2003. She was 14 months old.

While they were in Russia adopting Claira, they were bringing supplies to an orphanage that had older children. All of the kids were so excited to see them when they arrived, yelling "Mama, Papa". One little boy was very quiet though. However, he was amazed by John's video camera. He stuck by John's side the entire visit. At the end of their visit, the adoption coordinator explained that this boy was going to be available for adoption in the fall and that they needed to take his information to their agency. John and Kim looked at each other and they instantly knew they had to come back to get him. They adopted Clayton in November of 2003. This completed their family of 6. But they were, and are, far from done with Russia and the children there!

John and Kim's 4 children and a family friend.

Finally in 2006, Kim read an article in Russian Life. It was written by an American woman, named Jennifer. She wrote about an NGO (Non Government Organization) that she and her husband Pavel ran in Russia. She wrote about how they worked with orphans who had disabilities. Their NGO was called Magic House. Coincidentally,  I am friends with Jennifer and Pavel! Kim immediately wrote an email to Jennifer saying she wanted to come to Russia and help. Jennifer invited Kim to come and stay with her family. Kim says she jumped on a plane and went as soon as she could! Kim brought over a lot of medical equipment for the kids of Magic House. Walkers, leg braces, and other regular supplies. Kim and Jennifer quickly became friends. Jennifer is the one who introduced Kim to Maria of Maria's Children. On that trip Kim met another woman named Mary Dudley. Mary ran her own successful NGO "Dima's Dream". Mary is an American who was living in Russia because of her husband's work. All of these connections were just what Kim and John needed to get their NGO going. In 2007 Petrova's Promise officially became an NGO, and Kim and John's work began.

They initially started Petrova's Promise in 2007 to assist orphans with disabilities. They worked on many small, personal projects trying to make radical improvements with each child's life. They brought over various types of medical equipment, specializing in leg braces and walkers. They even brought an orphan in Maria's program to America to get her fitted for a prosthetic. She had lost a leg after being run over by a train.

Another coincidence, the orphan who lost her leg was in my "family" at one of Maria's summer camps several years before she lost her leg. I remember her well too. Her name is Nadya. A cute story about Nadya... she was 8 or so when she was in my "family" at camp. We were at the dinner table eating one evening when I used my finger as a "backdrop" to scoop up some corn in my spoon. Nadya, with very little English at this time, looked at me and said "No Chip, like this"... she then proceeded to show me how to use my knife as a back drop instead of my finger! Can you imagine an 8 year old orphan teaching a "well adjusted" 36 year old man how to properly eat dinner? Well, that is exactly what happened! Kim and I met years later in NYC when Maria came over for a visit. I went to see Maria, and a few other friends. Kim came to see Maria since they were friends. I find it extraordinary that Kim and John helped a child that I had met years earlier, but we had never known that... until recently when I learned more about Kim and John's work. Crazy small world eh?!

After helping many kids in Russia, Kim and John grew frustrated. They were frustrated because when they would go back to see a particular child they had helped, he or she would be moved to a different orphanage and Kim and John would not see them again. They wanted to stay connected to the children they helped, but it was not easy. At this time Russia was banning Americans from adopting. So John and Kim came up with an idea to start a foster home in Russia. This way they could get kids, particularly kids with disabilities, into families to take care of them long term... even get them into college perhaps. That is always the goal and the dream of their organization. To get children cared for long term and give them an opportunity at college and onto a better life for themselves. That is a worthy dream and goal for sure!!

In the end, it is children like Valya that need Kim and John's help. There are too many like her to count, but it has to start somewhere. John and Kim started by purchasing an apt. in Moscow. They funded it to host children. They pay the host mother or father to take care of the children. They currently are taking care of 10 children in multiple homes. They do all of this with their own money, because as Kim told me "I don't like asking other people for help". Well, I am not afraid or ashamed to ask. So, if you are looking for a good cause to support, please support Petrova's Promise so they can expand even further and give more children a chance to shine as bright as Valya does!

Check out their website below for more information. You can contact Kim and John personally by clicking on the Get Involved icon on their website.  Also, feel free to contact me of course. Please ask any questions you may have. I hope you are inspired as much as I am. Go out and make a difference in a life. Even if it is just one life, like Valya's, it is a big help.
                                              
                                             HOME | Petrova's Promise (petrovaspromise.org)

Valya. What a smile and shining eyes!

Now go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!

Centers for Independent Living

                                                       

My friend Maria Stepanyan sent me an informational video on Centers for Independent Living. Also known as CIL. She runs a CIL in Longmont, Colorado. I didn't know about CILs until I watched Crip Camp. After the movie I looked it up, but still didn't know what it was truly about. The video she sent me gave me a good understanding of it. At the end of the video it says to learn more watch the video "What is Independent Living Philosophy". That is another good video to inform yourselves. I will post it below as well.

What is a Center for Independent Living? Watch the video below to find out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTmE9p1jh5Y&feature=emb_title

What is Independent Living Philosopy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLAZAz4R3WA

Below is one more video I stumbled upon about CILs in Georgia and what it means to people who have disabilities in that state. Even though the video is about Georgia, it gives wonderful information about CILs in general and the obstacles that a lot of people have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqlj_kv5Jrk


I hope you have learned some things, as I did, about the needs for people with disabilities. They have to fight for so many things that some of us take for granted. The freedom to make their own choices can even be a challenge for some. Support your local CILs and anyone who might need help in living a productive INDEPENDENT life!

No Go Out and Hug Someone                  Today!!!

Crip Camp Review

A scene from Camp Jened in NY, 1971. The camp that  sparked a movement and the documentary "Crip Camp" 

After watching Crip Camp, my recommendation still holds. I feel everyone should watch this documentary, with the exception of children under age 13. It has some foul language, along with sex references and drug references in it. No nudity. So parents, you decide what is appropriate for your kids. If I had kids, I would watch it with a 13 year old and older. I would not let them watch it alone. I would encourage real discussions about everything in the documentary. That is what I would do. 

Crip Camp starts out with real footage from a camp in the Catskill Mountains of NY named Camp Jened. It does a good job of depicting what summer camp was all about. It shows campers, counselors, and the director in action, along with interviews from 1971 and present day.  It then goes on to show how Camp was a springboard to something bigger. Way bigger than I ever imagined. It started a movement which led to the signing of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)... almost 20 years later! It was a long and difficult road for the people involved, and the documentary does a good job of showing the struggles that a lot of people went through to get to that point. They endured hardships that no human should ever have to endure. It is safe to say... people with disabilities would have endured more hardships their entire lives if these brave, strong people didn't stand up for what was right.

I wonder how Susan's life has changed since the ADA was signed into law. 

They weren't asking for handouts or monetary support. They were asking to have EQUAL rights and EQUAL access. Believe it or not, access to  buildings and transportation via ramps, lifts, elevators, etc was not common in the 1970s. So people with wheelchairs were either denied access to areas because of limitations, or they had to crawl up stairs and get help with their wheelchairs. Can you imagine that being a real thing? Well, it was as recent as 1990. I personally was flabbergasted that this was such a struggle and that I have never heard of this story. Truth be told, this is a big part of American History and should be taught in schools today, but it is not. Why that is, I have no idea! It just shows me that we still have some ways to go to make things truly equal for people with disabilities and other minorities for that matter. We need to keep striving to make things equal for these people. As one person in the film says "If I have to keep being thankful for just having an accessible bathroom, when will I ever be truly equal?"

One of the main phrases used back then by the government was "Separate but Equal". Similar to how they segregated African Americans before then, but said they still had equal rights. What a laugh that is. Essentially saying that people with disabilities have all the same rights as other people, and just because they can't get into a building, that that doesn't undermine their equal rights. Again, laughable! How the hell can you have equal rights when you can't even get into a building where you might like to work someday? The opportunities for employment were severely inadequate back then, and quite frankly still are to this day. It is better than 1971, but still inadequate. And employment is just one aspect of their fight. Imagine in your everyday life that you can't access a building you want to enter, or you don't have access to whatever bathroom is closest, or when you get out of a car or taxi you might have to stay on the street for a block or two until you find a spot you can get to the sidewalk. These were atrocities they faced everyday. And our government didn't understand what was wrong with that. It truly blew my mind. It went through several administrations too. It started with Nixon and moved through Ford, Carter and Reagan. Finally President Bush signed into law the ADA. 19 years after these people started their fight. You really have to watch this film to get the full impact of what I am saying here!!

On a lighter note, the documentary had some great wisdom, insight and humor in it. In the beginning of the film one camper is interviewing another. He asks "Would you like to see handicapped people depicted as people?". The second camper said "Excuse me?". It really is a ridiculous question, but it was their reality back then to have the feeling they weren't even looked upon as people.

Dan The Hamm is an iconic person at Rocky Mountain Village. The pin on his hat could not have said it better.

The director at the camp was on camera digging some holes. He was asked what he was doing and he said "I was out here by the pool watching the kids swim. I decided to dig a few holes because the kids are kind of clumsy, and I thought it would be funny if they tripped". Taken out of context that might be seen as cruel, but actually the director was just playing a prank on the campers. Pranks are a big part of every camp, so why not prank kids who have disabilities. They shouldn't be excluded from camp traditions. It goes on to solidify that point when the camper who is interviewing him says "Teach us cripples a lesson" and the director says "That's right" and they both chuckle. The camper saw the humor in it and they knew the director well enough to know he was being funny. The director goes on to further explain the ideas of camp and how camp was designed so that teenagers can be teenagers without all the stereotypes and  labels. Then, in my opinion, one of the most profound comments in the whole film followed as he said "We realized the problem did not exist with people with disabilities. The problem existed with people who didn't have disabilities. It was our problem. So it was important for US to change." Whew, read that quote again. It is so right on!

There are so many great moments in this film like that. Moments that made you laugh, and then go huh? Wait, let me rewind that. Is that what I thought they said? A lot of it is far beyond my comprehension. I can't believe that those were real moments at that time. But they were. I found myself rewinding quite a bit to watch a seen or hear a quote again. And I will be re-watching this film a few times to keep educating myself on the disingenuous of the times. I don't want to give too many of the good parts away, so please watch the film!

Some of the other things that struck me was how progressive the camp was. It was way ahead of its time. For instance, some of the counselors that worked at camp had physical disabilities. They probably wouldn't have been able to get a job out in the "real" world, but at camp they could easily work and be looked upon as peers, not just a number. This is how it should always be of course! But I am afraid it is not, not even today to be truthful.

DJ came to Rocky Mountain Village many years ago as a camper. He now comes to volunteer 3 or 4 weeks.

I was also struck by how the campers were so honest with their thoughts and opinions. On their home life, parents, and more. They openly discussed how their parents made them feel when they were being overprotective. In some ways, the parents were limiting their own children and playing right into the beliefs of society as a whole. And today there are still parents that way.  I was awestruck how families of people with disabilities looked down upon certain others who had disabilities. Apparently there was a hierarchy among the people with disabilities, at least some of them. For instance, people who had CP (Cerebral Palsy) were on the bottom and people who had Polio were on the top. All because people with Polio "looked" more normal. This is according to some of the people in the film. It really is hard to understand that, and it does drive home a point that we can't truly understand what someone else is going through. And that goes with people with disabilities and people without disabilities. But really, don't we all have some sort of disability? I know I have a few. Thank goodness there as been some progress and great education on the matters to change view points on it, from parents and society. And we still have some ways to go so that ALL of society will understand.

I also loved how they openly talked about their sex lives. Just because someone has a physical or mental disability, doesn't mean they don't have all the raging hormones that every teenager has. They have all the same wants, needs, and urges as any teenager has had since the beginning of time. They talked about how people viewed them and how they viewed themselves. It was eye opening for sure.

He certainly does have it all! 

Of course I fell in love with the people from the movie. From some of the campers, to the counselors, the director, and even a few politicians who helped them. There are some really intelligent, brave, strong, tenacious people in this film. They did some incredible things back then to get laws passed and a lot of them are still alive today and working hard to make the world a better place for EVERYONE!

Another thing that struck me were the things I learned about other people and groups from history. For instance, I was surprised that Jimmy Carter didn't do more. He was and is such a great humanitarian that I would have thought he would have signed a bill into law right away. Also, the group the Black Panthers was a tremendous help to their movement. Everything I have heard about the Black Panthers has been negative. Now I have to rethink that and other thoughts I have had. So much of this film opened my eyes to things I never knew and things I thought I knew, but really didn't.

I could truly go on and on and discuss parts of the movie I found profound and thought provoking. I can write about all the people in the film that were, and still are incredible. However, I don't want to give away too much more about it. I can only encourage each of you to watch it. It is emotional, educating, and thought provoking at the very least. It should open up lines of communication with the people around you, especially our youth. I feel they have the most to learn from all of it. So, let me know any and all thoughts you have about the film. I will be curious to know.

                Now Go Out and Hug...... Someone Today!!! 

Crip Camp

Some counselors and a camper at Rocky Mountain Village. This is a camp I worked in the past. It is not the camp in the documentary, but it is a similar kind of camp.

A friend of mine sent me an email to tell me about a documentary called "Crip Camp". It is coming out on Netflix on Weds., March 25th. He asked if it was the camp I had worked in the past. I hadn't heard about it yet, so I did a quick google search. After a quick look up, and watching the trailer on Netflix, I have a couple of thoughts to share about it.

First, before I even watch the documentary, I will be recommending it to ALL of my friends and family and encouraging them to share it with ALL of their friends and family. No, I have no affiliation with the camp in the documentary. I don't even know much about it really, except I am quite certain it will be inspirational, educational, and emotional. I feel these are 3 things we really need in this day and age! I didn't do a lot of research on it because I don't want to know much about it before I watch it. I want to watch it with completely open, unbiased eyes. That is my intent anyway. Even though I have not seen it and know little about it, I think it will be a great show to watch with your kids. You are at home with them now more than ever anyway, why not watch something meaningful? Talk about it afterwards. Allow your kids to openly discuss their feelings and thoughts about it. And I do mean OPENLY! I am sure there will be a lot of talking points, questions, and more. Feel free to call upon me if you have any questions about it. I am no expert, but I know a little about people with disabilities. What I don't know, I can ask friends about. I have friends who know way more than me about the subject, including some who live with a disability. I can go straight to the source so to say. 

Second, with full disclosure, I am a little worried about the title. The world we live in is a sensitive one. To me, that is good and bad. We need to me more sensitive and considerate about words and labels, but we don't need to go overboard about every little thing. I wish there was a happy medium to find with this, but I am afraid that would be more difficult than pulling a camel through the eye of a needle. We are all human, and we have strong thoughts, emotions, etc and we should be allowed to have that. But we can all use a little more education on everything and keep open minds about that education. We have learned through history that words can do real damage. Yes, freedom of speech is important and should be a right for everyone. Absolutely. But can't we use that freedom of speech to do more good than harm? To educate rather than denigrate? To lift up instead of tear down? These are questions I have for the general public, and you MY FRIENDS! 

So, what I mean about the title... As a person who has worked with people with disabilities. As a person who has some education on the matters, but needs more. As a person who cares about other's feelings and well being. As a person who wants everyone to watch this... I am afraid the title will put some people off. We are taught to not use certain words like retard, disabled, or crippled when talking about someone who has special needs. I believe that is the best way to live. The best way we can treat people fairly. So, why can people who live with disabilities use words like "Crip".  I don't know that answer. But I don't want it to deter people from watching. Maybe it is short for cripple? Maybe that was the actual name of the camp back then, before education has taught us not to speak like that? I won't know until I see the documentary. And neither will you! So, I am asking you all to watch it and discuss it with your family, friends, ME, everyone who is willing and wanting to discuss it. What do you say?

In these trying times with isolation, quarantine, etc. I think this might be one of the most important documentaries we can watch and discuss. There are a few reasons I feel that way, but mostly because these people went through some struggles. They took charge of that struggle and made it better. They came out better on the other end I think. We are all going through a big struggle right now, and to get inspiration from others who struggled is much needed. It won't change our struggle, but it may give hope to some who are not feeling hopeful at the moment. Do you agree? I will be writing a post after the documentary to discuss my thoughts on it and what I took from it and more. Look for that post next weekend or so. In the mean time, let me know what you think. And if you watch it, let me know your thoughts and questions about it. 

Now Go Out and Hug Someone (virtually from 6 feet) Today!!!