Week of April 11th

It seems that Spring would never arrive. Now that it has, obligations seem to eat up each day. Suddenly, travel between Albany and home and requests for staff training have expanded. It seems that other schools and our own departments are seeking information or help with one or more topics, about which I know, have experienced, or developing. It is difficult to recall a typical day or workload. So spring arrived, but this household would barely recognize it, except for the fact that the outdoors has become a tunnel between one doorway to the next. So missing out on good weather has created an empty hole within.

On the brighter side, I spent the past weekend running a program for blind and visually impaired Sr. high school students from across NYS. Plans have been taking place most of the winter to host 4 weekends throughout the spring and one week in the summer for this population. Scheduling the days has taken alot of time, yet left flexible enough for the group to make many of the decisions, such as what they want to eat ... diplomatically choosing menus. All partake in the planning, shopping, cooking and cleanup. Seems like a small part to most, but for kids who often have limited experience in a kitchen (expecially using an oven, grill, microwave, knives, and so on), it becomes a big deal.

Each program offers something new and different. Last year we explored a cave, while this year will include wall climbing. There is always horseback riding, Six Flags, swimming, row boating and fishing, and alway, always shopping. The best part of every event, is watching an inhibited first timer bubble up into an outgoing, talkative, and happy kid who tells you that they have made their first real best friend with a roommate or fellow participant. How cool that is.

During the past weekend there were four first time kids. Two had tears as their parents left them for the first time. Can you believe it? This was the first time that a 16 and 17 year old had ever been away from home. Why? Because they were blind. How sad that they have missed out on typical experiences of most kids out there. But it will not be the last ... they asked to come back. All in all, it was a great time with lots of laughter, shared contact info., and hugs. And although I suffer from loss of sleep still, it was worth it.