This summer I’d like to have a blast and not be stuck in the city the entire time like we were last year when I was pregnant. We made the best of an ok situation but our options were limited and became super repetitive. There are but so many times you can go to the city pool and the library. Alana tolerated the entire slow summer well.
This summer I hope to create an adventurous atmosphere for her. I enrolled Alana in summer day camp for two weeks and in a dance camp for two weeks. I also am enrolling her in a weekend camp called Comfort Zone Camp. It is no secret Alana and I had a rough year in 2004 -2005 when my husband died. We were handed a pretty rough situation and we are still here. A little bruised and dented but mostly in one whole piece. It is my mission to continue to address the bumps and wounds so they don’t start to bleed.
After viewing the website for Comfort Zone Camp, I am hopeful that this experience can be revolutionary in how Alana copes with her grief and anger. Actually, I really need for her to get some new coping skills. It seems that growing up means putting one’s deep and very strong feelings away in so many ways.
I have been encouraging her to not interrupt class with those feelings, as have her teachers, principals and other adults. I feel torn about it all the time. I know that she can’t continue to interrupt every time she is saddened and misses her dad or feels strongly about being denied her desire, but she has to learn to deal with these feelings like everyone else. I hope that she does not understand that growing up means that she can longer express herself. Instead I hope she can see that there are many types of self expression. We will be giving Comfort Zone Camp a try. I look forward to seeing Alana supported and guided through her grief in a constructive and empowering manner.
I encourage anyone else who has children aged 7-17 who have suffered loss to have a look at their website.
Peace. Happy Mother’s Day
