Glowing

On Sunday, when Carlo got off the bus, I handed him a clipboard and a staff tee shirt. He tried to act cool, but his eyes were glowing with pride. To introduce the staff, we have a song called sha-boo-yeah where we each introduce ourselves and say something about us. One of the counselors helped Carlo write his sha-boo-yeah and again, he tried to act cool, but it was clear that he was excited to be included.

On Tuesday, 'A' was painting the staff square in the dining hall. Years ago, I painted a giant grid of squares. Right now, there are six filled in with the design/color of our staff shirts from that year and the names of all the staff. The rest of the squares are white with the year that they are reserved for.

Carlo asked if he was going to be included on the staff square and I told him no, to get on the wall, you have to make it through the whole summer. But I let him sign his name on the 2016 square.

Every day of this summer has made me want to fight harder for survival. I want Carlo to have the opportunity to be a staff member. There are more kids too, who, like Carlo, want to be on staff. I want camp to be here for them.

I am hopeful. I have faith something will work out.