Carrie Vines

You never know what curve ball life will throw you, right?  Sometimes you swing hard and run like mad; other times, you miss altogether, but if you’re lucky, you get a second or third try.  And then there are times, when you’re really paying attention, you can see what’s coming right at you, and you step back, breathe, and hope it passes right by.  These past 9 months have been like the most intense 9 innings of knuckle-biting, nauseating, too-much-cotton-candy-and-hot-dog-eating baseball ever played.  Only I’m the pitcher, the batter, the ump, the cheering fans, the booing fans, the dirt kicking, screaming-in-your-face coach….

What does that have to do with Camp Erin?  Nothing really.  I typed out curve ball, and the rest just poured out of me.  Guess I needed to get that off my chest.  Whew! Anyway, where I was going with life and curve balls was that you never know the type of connections you can make with those around you or how those connections could change your life in a profound way, but like the batter whose eyes are keenly on the ball, the perfect pitch comes your way and you hit it out of the park!  That’s what happened for me and Sam and Mourning Star.  Through Sam’s new job, he become familiar with Mourning Star, an organization designed to offer grief counseling and support for children who have suffered a significant loss of a loved one.  Every year they sponsor Camp Erin, a three day bereavement camp for kids.  For the past several months, Sam and I have been trying to find a way to pay it forward in some small way, in part due to all the help and support, love and guidance we’ve been receiving lately.  When the opportunity presented itself for us to volunteer as photographers for Camp Erin, we both knew deep in our hearts, we were meant to do this.  Sam and I both grew up without knowing our biological dads, and while its not the same as losing a parent due to tragedy, we are very familiar with the grief a child feels over losing their parent.

This year, because of scheduling conflicts, we were only able to capture a group shot and the final hours of camp, but Camp Erin is already on the books for next year, giving us plenty of time to strengthen our lungs for the thinner mountain air, and train with the other volunteers or “Big Buddies” on the multitude of emotions derived from an experience like this.  One thing I learned very quickly in my short time with these great group of kids and volunteers, is that while at Camp Erin, it’s ok to be sad, while at the same time, be happy.  Sounds simple enough, but believe me, sometimes its hard to enjoy little pleasures such as kayaking, or singing camp fire songs, when it reminds you of your favorite memory of a loved one.  At Camp Erin, you are surrounded by other kids feeling the same feelings, both happy and sad, which in its own way offers comfort.  So there were many smiles and many hugs and tears to be shared; and this was only 1 day!  Some of the other activities provided included fishing, swimming in Cedar Lake, and plenty of crafts, including making memory boxes and luminary bags, which are lit and placed on raft and set afloat in a very moving nighttime ceremony.  Each camper decorates a bag to honor their deceased family member.  When I saw all the bags displayed on the table, I became so overwhelmed with emotion that I was grateful to have my camera in front of me to hide my tears.

As the parents arrived to pick up their kids, they gathered in a large open field, and waited while listening to the faint cries of the camp cheer make its way closer and closer until the voices of all the kids and volunteers became one, echoing off the trees, sounding strong, as they made their way to greet their loved ones. White balloons were passed along to the campers, along with sharpees, with which to inscribe a name, a message, or just a smiley face.  As Sam and I made our way thru the embraces and hugs, laughter and tears, the messages we read on the balloons tugged on our own heart strings, touching our souls and making us want to hug our own kids a little longer every day.  As everyone gathered in a large circle balloon strings squeezed tight in hand, Sam and I were clinging to our own proverbial strings, and being gently pulled into this giant family, feeling the love and support surrounding us, comforting us.  One final camp cheer and then fingers opened, letting the balloons travel on upwards to seek out the heavens and deliver their messages.

It was powerful. Emotional. Sincere. Beautiful. Happy and sad, at the same time.  Sam and I were so honored to be a part of this event.  Going thru this experience definitely sharpens one’s perspective on what is important in life.

For more information on Mourning Star, visit their website. Both Mourning Star and Camp Erin offer their services free of charge  and depend on fundraisers and donations from the community.  If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a grieving child, click here to find out how you can help.  Monetary donations are welcomed and appreciated!

I also need to give a shout out to Andrew at IE Photography Rentals, who graciously extended our rental period by an extra day free of charge when he learned that we were volunteering our time at Camp Erin. Of course, I also blame Andrew and his 5D Mark II for nudging me towards Canon for the first time. Oh, what a beautiful camera that was and we tried it out for the first time that weekend.