Tears

Today was the last day of camp. I was dreading this afternoon more than I actually realized. I went to see the boys last 'show' that they put on every Friday. The prepare all week with songs and dances to the theme for the week. As I sat there smiling at all the hard work the children put into it, I realized that I would have to prepare myself for the sadness. My boys are quite sentimental and I knew they were going to take it hard. John was the first to cry...sobbing was more like it. He fell into the arms of "The Big Unit"..a councelor named Mike who the boys just adored. They idolized him. Mike came walking over with John slumped over his shoulder...tears running down his face. Ryan stood near by...silently...taking in everything around him. I just stood there, looked at him and said "it's ok...." and his little brown eyes welled up with tears. He then began to cry. It was then Kevin's turn I thought...I looked over and he was holding up pretty well. He was actually getting the cell phone numbers of the councelors he loves so dearly. His favorite, Jenna, was in Florida this week, so Kevin's tears came last week and my little boy was heartbroken. His first real boyhood crush. I just broke my heart. I then turned and looked at Nicholas who held it together fine....until....we...got...into...the...car. His bottom lip started to quiver and he turned his head to look out the window of the car. He didn't need to say anything, I knew what he was thinking. It was the first time in a long time that you could hear a pin drop in that car. There were only sounds of sniffling and little hands wiping away the tears.

I have to say that I know the pain they are feeling...it wasn't too long ago that I was saying goodbye to friends in camp or at school...you sort of ached for a long time after that. I don't know why I am writing this....maybe it's a way for me to let my feelings go...I ache for my boys today...one of the many things a parent does for their kids.

Here's to another amazing summer at Saint Patrick's camp...to all the councelors, we love you! You will be forever apart of our lives. Each and everyone of you have left footprints in our hearts. You are all truly wonderful people!!!