Mary designed our backyard as a place to entertain, and those who have come to my cookouts know this to be true. It is also a comfortable place to sit and relax either early in the morning, or late afternoon. One afternoon in July 2006, two of Mary's “associates,” Liz and Jane came over to discuss continuing some of Mary's work. (Jane and Mary had an excellent presentation on generational differences, and Liz was going to present it to a group.) While discussing the presentation, a hummingbird flew to one of the flowers in the yard. It was unconcerend with us being in it's “territory” and proceeded to drink it's fill. On a few other occasions, I happened to see one hovering around the flowers. We had a decorative hummingbird feeder, but never saw a bird actually using it. I have since invested in a more practical feeder, and have had many enjoyable hours watching hummingbirds come to it and feed. I have also been able to take some photos of the brid(s) feeding. I hope to share them on this blog or on my Flickr account in the near future.
I was volunteering as the Scoutmaster at the Ohio School for the Blind when I met Mary. She was working part time at the Vision Center of Central Ohio, a United Way agency working with the visually impaired. As our friends know, she called me first!
Mary was always interested in, and promoted, volunteering. We taught our children volunteering at an early age, and they would accompany us on our “volunteer adventures.” I have been visiting a grief counselor and on a recent visit she mentioned a camp for grieving children. The more she spoke about it, the more interested I became. I asked for a contact name and was put in touch with the Director of the Central Ohio Camp Fire USA office. The application was filled out and returned, and an FBI background check was requested. A training took place about two weeks before the start of camp, and the therapists and other volunteers attended. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but as Mary would often say “Let's check it out, it sounds like fun.”
“Fun” is an understatement! Camp Atagahi was an extreme physical workout for me (all the steps were large rocks or boulders UNEVENLY spaced up the various hillsides!). I told the kids I was 106 years old and only one counselor asked if I was kidding, and only one camper challenged me on it (on Thursday, day 4 of the camp). Whenever one of the campers complained about being tired, or hot, or uncomfortable, I would remind them that I was 106 and I wasn't complaining!
Through the week the campers had regular discussion sessions with the therapists and as trust and relationships developed, the campers began the healing process, and helped with healing each other. It was a great experience for me as I was able to see how resilient kids are and how they have the capacity to help heal each other. I highly recommend volunteering or contributing to the Central Ohio Camp Fire's “Camp Atagahi”. I plan on volunteering again next year.
More recollections to follow.