Doing It For Judy

My month has been filled with adventures. My family and I went to the Bahamas and had a magical time. Following that trip, I went to the different session of Camp Courage that I wrote about previously in the blog.

Like I said, my family went to the Bahamas. I think I speak for the whole entire family when I say swimming with the dolphins was the best part of the trip. These creatures are truly magnificent. I did get to hug, feed, and play with the dolphin. They provided a manual wheelchair with enormous rubber wheels so I could go in the water comfortably. Once I was in the water, my dad helped me kneel and hug the dolphin. I even got to kiss the dolphin! The dolphin was so strong yet friendly and incredibly playful. The rest of the vacation was spectacular but I think when my siblings and I look back on our vacations, we will remember Tony, the dolphin.

I got an ocean of emotional support when I announced that I couldn't go to my usual session at Camp Courage. Before I even report on how the different session went, I want to thank you for emotionally supporting me through that disappointment. I kind of feel weird going to sleep away camp at 21 but you all showed me that I should not be embarrassed. Thank you for that.

I arrived at the Courage Center parking lot and my family and I see two big vans. The vans are filled with campers anxious to go. It was interesting because they transferred, meaning the camp staff lifted campers from their wheelchairs into the van instead of having a van with a lift. I was able to sit comfortably due to keeping up with my physical therapy. When we got there, the campus looked almost identical to Camp Courage which was welcoming. We stayed in cabins with enormous pine trees surrounding us. The Camp consisted of day trips which were all fun.

One day we went to Itasca national park. We brought the camp's boat to the lake inside the park and went for a picturesque boat ride. After the boat ride, we got a chance to see the beginning of the Mississippi river. When we got there, most campers watched the water. That didn't satisfy my appetite whatsoever. After about thirty seconds of watching, I had to put my feet in. Come on, when was I coming back? Two of the camp staff proceeded to help take my shoes and braces off. After my feet were free, one of the camp staff carried me in the water. The water felt like ice made out of glass on my feet. It was wonderful and I had the satisfaction of knowing a little bit of Hannah Thompson would travel through the Mississippi! They carried me out of the water and got my shoes and braces on. The next few minutes confused me. All the other campers didn't want to dip their toes in the Mississippi. Why? I didn’t understand. Watching water is lovely but experiencing it was so much better and its part of living. This feeling also occurred when Katherine and I were the only campers who wanted to ride the roller coasters at the state fair.

A significant part of my camp experience is getting to know other people with disabilities which brings me to Judy. Judy was 63 and had Cerebral Palsy which is my disability too. At first glance, she was not the most attractive woman in her green Catholic Elder Care tee shirt and elastic jean shorts however, something made me want to be around her. I helped her tell the Camp staff how to feed her, I understood her because I was in the same exact position. She was just getting comfortable with the DynaVox which tugged at my heart strings and tear ducts. Most people her age can tell stories about the "good old days" whereas Judy struggled to communicate the simplest things. When I finally sat down with her and asked for advice, it devastated me. I was expecting her to say something to the effect of "reach for the stars" or "do your best"; instead I got "find a companion...get married". Judy explained that she was told never to marry because of her disability. I hurt inside for her. I couldn't imagine being told that. My mind then reeled with the limitations she had and I don't have, I'm in a sorority, two honor societies, and have a generally amazing life. She couldn't have that. So, all through this year, I have a new mantra: do it for Judy.

I have successfully entered my senior year of college. I can't believe it myself. It didn't come without the wheelchair completely dying as we were packing up the car. I have to acknowledge that my family was amazing during the time I was home-especially my younger sister Genevieve! My little sister helped a lot along with my younger brother. I plan to live each day to the fullest and still have time to plan ahead. I am so grateful for this experience so far and can't wait to live out the grand finale!

Unbelievable...9 more posts left!

Doing it for Judy,
Hannah!