An Emotional Sendoff
It was an emotional sendoff. Our son left to overnight camp yesterday. We have sent other kids off to camp before, but this was different. Very different. Our other kids have allowed us to escort them with hugs and kisses and plenty of the usual, "I love you," "I'll miss you," "can't wait to see you on Visiting Day," etc.
This time however, we were sending off a special needs child. It is hard for him to give and receive affectionate expressions. That meant no hugs or kisses, no "I love you"; no "can't wait to see you on Visiting Day" (in fact, he said, not at all in a mean way, that he doesn't care if I come to visit him or not).
It was especially emotional for me when he said good-bye to his dog, his only affection outlet. He hugged him and cried for two minutes straight. That brought all of us to tears. We cried for the joy of seeing and feeling him emote, for the pain of his pain, for the sadness of his inability to connect with us, and for our concerns that his disability not get in the way of his ability to have a happy and uplifting summer camp experience, just like everybody else.
Because he's not like everybody else.
So you can only imagine how anxious we were to hear how he is faring in camp. It is said that "when you reach out to hold a child's hand, you reach out to hold his parent's heart." We so appreciated the text messages and emails from the camp Division Head and Camp Mother that he has gotten off to a great start. Thank G-d! It's amazing what a huge impact a small bit of outreach can accomplish. Never underestimate the power of a "small" smile, a kind word or gesture.
Sometimes people are more vulnerable than they seem. Sending off this child to camp was one of those really vulnerable moments for us. The text message, the happy smiling photo sent to us by the Division Head via email, were small gestures that went a long long way for us.
The Torah teaches us that Hashem deals with us the way we deal with others. That means when we go the extra mile and act kindly, sensitively and generously to others, G-d will overlook our shortcomings, and treat us with extra kindness, sensitivity and compassion. We are all G-d's children. We have a sacred duty to look out for each other, and, in doing so, may we all merit extra divine favor, and a wonderful summer, for all of our own children!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Koval
