Drained

Thursday night, in the midst of phone calls to the sheriff and attempting to file a report with child services, I also spent some extra time with Camper Jack. I talked to Jack SEVERAL times throughout the week. Not listening to his counselor, not doing what he was supposed to do, arguing with other campers, and on Thursday night, throwing sand in another camper's eyes were just a few of the reasons we chatted.

Jack is 13 and didn't want to be at camp. He got tricked into coming and his attitude and lack of enthusiasm reflected that.

One of the times we talked, I told him, "you're a good kid, but you're making some bad decisions." He laughed and said he'd never heard that before. I asked if he was being sarcastic and he said no. The conversation we had made me think he's been told that he's bad in the past.

I am well known for really liking the naughty campers. I enjoy a little sass. I know that their behavior is a form of communication and that it has to do with something going on in their life. Usually they just need to have someone listen to them, be nice, not yell and take some time.

What Jack didn't know (and neither did I until later), was that while he was away at camp, his mom was being deployed for the next year. His family decided to deal with it by not telling him. When I found out that he wasn't going to be able to say goodbye, wasn't going to find out she was gone (for a year), I was just crushed.

Obviously, considering his behavior and attitude, he's got some issues going on. And now his mom is gone for a YEAR, without giving him any warning.

I can't stop thinking about him, wondering if he's okay.

This week has been so emotionally draining, I am so thankful it is over.