Today, I pick up my oldest son from camp. OK…he’s actually taking the bus home and I’ll drive to Greenwich, CT to pick him up. But, I’m still expecting him to pretty much collapse in my arms.
He’s been a little homesick this year, missing my “gourmet cooking” (ha ha….his words, not mine) and our dog, Molly. I can’t blame him. It’s hard sleeping on a rock hard bunk bed in the woods with people who’ve just learned your name.
But, I love that he returns with a confidence in what he CAN do. And, that he tried some new things – succeeding at some…more experienced in others. The bulls-eye in archery, getting up on water skis. Learning to live for 2 1/2 weeks with kids he’s never met.
I think we’re all a lot more competent and capable than we realize. But, the first step is getting up off the couch and actually doing something.
So, whatever it is you want to do or learn….don’t worry about how fast you accomplish it. The fact that you’re trying puts you miles ahead of the person who never tries.
Got your running shoes on?!
Elizabeth, love the message here. You are so right…..wasn't it Albert Einstein who said something to the effect of "in moments of difficult always lies opportunity"? Challenging the unknown always allows us to walk away with a feather in our cap of having learned or tried something we didnt' know beforehand. (now I need to practice what I preach…lol) Your son is adorable, wishing him a wonderful homecoming…..and his favorite "gourmet" meal!
I love this post – that your little guy is coming home, that he loves his mom's cooking and the can-do give it a shot spirit! And I loved that expression when I saw it on Pinterest. (by the way, the one I pinned from here has over 100 repins now, I think!) enjoy having your son back home…
Elizabeth,
As my "big boys" shall soon leave home for College, I anticipate lots of homecomings where they embrace one another, share stories as well as break bread and dine on sumptuous comforts of home. Good food, clean linens, love of our dog and being spoiled. I guess every age deserves the escape and then the homecoming.
Enjoy your son and thanks for inspiring me to instill more "can do" in me and my "big boys!"
pve
I had to smile as I have a similar picture of our youngest with bow and arrow… Your sweet boy will come home older and wiser and so grateful for what he has. That's how our boys are every time they get back from camp!
xxoo
Such a true and lovely thought to read this Wednesday morning. How proud you much be of your big guy – and so glad to have him home! XO
Enjoy the homecoming and the way he sees home and family in a new light now! Smiling, as I know how sweet it is to have them return!
xo Cathy
Great wisdom Elisabeth. Happy reunion to your boy and you!
Best,
Susan
I think just getting started is frequently the hardest part of doing anything!! My daughter also went to camp for the first time this year – she comes back next Tuesday. She also loved archery and I hope comes home with enhanced confidence and self reliance!!
I remember feeling homesick one year when I went to camp. Didn't realize that homesick was literal … I actually felt sick with wanting to go home. So my parents came out for a visit to camp and I showed them around and everything was right with the world again! Funny memory. And I'm sure he was accurate in stating he misses his mom's gourmet cooking! xoxo
What an inspiring post, Elizabeth! I'm sure it will be nice to have your son back!
We couldn't agree more. It is so important to have a dream and go for it. We always encourage our kids to be confident and give things a try.
XO Angela and Renee
Both of my kids went to camp ~ such a valuable experience, they really learn self-reliance.
Enjoy the homecoming!
Needed this today! Thanks! Enjoy your reunion!
Enjoy your time back with your son! I'm sure you'll spoil him with your gourmet cooking! I remember going to camp as a child. It really was a lot of fun after you get past the first few days of not knowing anyone. He will have these wonderful memories for a life time!
Oh how I love this post. This message went right to my heart. First of all I sent my youngest daughter to camp this year and I was so 'homesick' for her! But she went off so confidently which was so bittersweet…isn't that what we want? And the message is so perfect. I'm trying to blog in very specific demographic and everyday I need to tell myself 'Do not give up…you are doing more than most!' So thank you thank you thank you!
Love your blog,
xo
Sharon
Darling post. I just found a note home from camp recently while looking through photos of my son, Brookes. It is hilarious! I think you've just inspired me to post it. I'll work on scanning it tomorrow… it's a real hoot. He was only 5 when he first went to camp for 1 week, and never looked back! I think his big sister made it much easier!
Molly will be just as excited to see him!
Jan
What a sweet and inspiring post, thank you Elizabeth. And kudos to all of us who got up off the couch! I'm sure you're excited to give your sweet boy a big hug. Mine are all little, but their hugs are the things I love most in my day! Dana
nike free, longchamp handbags, coach outlet store, burberry outlet online, louboutin, ray ban, prada handbags, chanel handbags, michael kors outlet, true religion, louboutin, polo ralph lauren outlet, true religion outlet, michael kors, kate spade outlet, cheap michael kors, michael kors handbags clearance, air max, prada outlet, nike air max, michael kors outlet online, louis vuitton outlet online, longchamp handbags, oakley sunglasses, toms shoes, longchamp outlet, polo ralph lauren outlet, kate spade handbags, true religion jeans, nike air max, gucci outlet, coach outlet, michael kors, ray ban sunglasses, oakley sunglasses, nike shoes, michael kors outlet online, jordan shoes, coach factory, louis vuitton handbags, oakley sunglasses, tory burch outlet, tiffany and co, ray ban sunglasses, coach purses
nike air max, timberland, karen millen, supra shoes, longchamp, michael kors, nike huarache, north face outlet, roshe run, ralph lauren, new balance shoes, hollister, ferragamo shoes, air max, nike free, rolex watches, ray ban pas cher, mac cosmetics, beats by dre, burberry, lululemon, yoga pants, louis vuitton, converse shoes, louis vuitton, hogan, mont blanc, nike roshe, louis vuitton, ralph lauren, hermes, juicy couture outlet, lancel, nike trainers, abercrombie and fitch, mulberry, vans, giuseppe zanotti, nfl jerseys, wedding dresses, oakley pas cher, hollister, instyler ionic styler, birkin bag, montre pas cher, reebok outlet, louboutin, north face jackets, juicy couture outlet, abercrombie and fitch
canada goose, oakley sunglasses outlet, tn pas cher, canada goose, gucci, ugg boots, asics gel, cheap sunglasses, canada goose outlet, moncler outlet, cheap sunglasses, valentino shoes, oakley sunglasses outlet, soccer shoes, oakley vault, ugg, insanity, oakley, soccer jerseys, canada goose, oakley outlet, moncler, ugg boots, ugg boots, marc jacobs, moncler, oakley sunglasses cheap, canada goose, herve leger, louboutin, oakley sunglasses cheap, moncler, celine handbags, mcm handbags, babyliss pro, p90x3, canada goose outlet, oakley outlet, cheap oakley sunglasses, oakley vault, ray ban, bottega veneta, ghd, ugg, chi flat iron, uggs on sale, cheap oakley sunglasses, ralph lauren, jimmy choo