– Rachel 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Yesterday i brought Madeline and Olivia to Camp Savannah, a weekend camp for children who are grieving. They were both nervous, excited and scared. Scared to be away from me, scared to truly explore their feelings about Ava’s death. As we drove up to the beautiful, peaceful camp i felt a lump in my throat. I thought to myself that it shouldn’t be this way, i should have all 3 of my Girls and we should be doing something fun for Labor Day weekend. It’s not fair and it never will be. As we got out of the car, we were greeted by the camp founders who’s daughter, Savannah, tragically passed away. The founders and counselors came up to us, all smiles, and greeted Madeline and Olivia each by name (without me even having to tell them my girls names), then told us they had been praying for us and especially the girls for weeks leading up to the camp. Still a little hesitant, i walked the girls inside and as the doors opened to the chapel, Madeline and Olivia were again greeted by name (these amazing counselors spent the past few weeks familiarizing themselves with pictures of my girls and who they are along with Ava’s story). The girls were so excited to feel so much love from complete strangers that they would spend the next 3 days with. As i told the girls goodbye, the founder (Mom) Jennifer Scharfenstein, came up to me and handed me a CD and told me to listen to it since i would have some time without the girls. As soon as i got into my car to leave i started listening to the CD. It was beautiful, meaningful, it touched my heart in a way only another grieving parent can understand. I cried for an entire hour on the ride home and even started listening to it again. It was a good cry though, the kind that makes you feel whole again!! I highly recommend listening to it (see link below) if you are grieving or know someone who is or if you want more insight into what it feels like. I’m sharing this in hopes that it will give someone in need hope, courage, peace. I can not thank you enough Jennifer and Jody for hosting this camp and all of your thoughtfulness!!
– Emily 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]