Just last month, an art camper from last summer who was to return this summer , lost her father, after a courageous and heart wrenching battle with cancer.
I wondered if she would return given this tremendous loss just a few weeks prior to start of camp.
I sent her mom a note telling her we hoped she would join us, that we would be tender with her at every turn and sent my heartfelt condolences.
When I heard that she would, I was so happy. It was an opportunity to make a difference for someone at a very difficult time. Besides, I love this little monkey.
Knowing this wonderful 11 year old, I knew I could not pour on too much love and affection. I could love her and be tender with her but also not make her feel too rare. I needed to tease her, laugh with her and be me with her.
Opportunity like this, in a world jammed with fast interractions and superficialities, is one of the very, very best aspects to my work- it gives great goosebumps factor.