Despite the stress of David being in pain, somewhat immobilized, and having to miss an entire day's activities to solve the problem (See previous entry), David, Rose, and I had a great time at Camp Kesher, the Reform Jewish family camp at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island.

Perhaps because we had a CRISIS, the kids whined less, fought less, and resisted activities less than recently at home or in previous years. David, in particular, exuded good will. When he wasn't in pain, he loved all the attention. He became a camp celebrity.

He also found a boy clan. In previous years, he and Joe bonded. This year three or four other boys helped them build dams and play soccer. He also loved the food. Really, he said so several times. Long time readers might remember the horrible fight he and I had over the baked chicken and rice last year--me in tears, him subsisting on hot cocoa. This year he went over to the gluten-free options table, filled his plate and ate those same foods surrounded by his boy clan. He bragged about hiking to Pooh corner, canoeing, and I made sure he got to do his favorite activity every day, even the day it poured and we were stuck at the doctor's for three hours--fishing.

Rose was less thrilled with her experience though her biggest worry had been managing gluten-free and that went without a hitch. She resented that as a 7th grader she had to attend the 2 hour and 10 minute adult service. I agree. She didn't think her counselors were as professional and as good at including people as her ones at Sealth, I'm sure true. And she got nervous about performing Who's on First at the talent show. That she knocked out of the park. She and Miriam did it. They were loud enough, their timing was good, they were expressive, and the audience ate it up. I'm making it sound like she stomped around in a funk the whole time. Actually, she loved swimming, tie dye, the talent show, and snuggling with her mama. We snuggled a lot this trip.

I did not get my intense poetry writing retreat I had planned. Regular readers know I don't go to the scholar talks or the services and use every spare minute of family camp for writing poetry. This time a lot of those spare minutes were Davidcare, but I got at least two hours a day. It's a start. I also lead a poetry writing workshop this time. It was lovely. Five adults and a child coming up with small moments about camp. I loved the range of experiences and getting to know campers I had not met before.

Because the kids were in better spirits and not fighting me about food, bedtime, or whether they could go on the beach without an adult presence, I had the must relaxing Kesher trip I've had. I rebonded with friends and a had a great round camp hike--Sylvan Theater to Uncle WiggleBottom's and down through Heaven. Now as I sort through the piles of wet sandy laundry, I find myself humming the birkat hamazon even though I don't know it. Guess I got a little Jewish at Jewish camp.