Being a mother can be very difficult. It can be even more
difficult being the mother of a child with a disability. Not only
does a handicapped child take more attention, but also as they
grow older, they will always be dependent on their parents. Joy
Fellowship and Amasa are two organizations that support parents of
handicapped individuals. They hold camps for the disabled, which
gives parents and caregivers a chance for a break from the stress
of their daily lives.
I have been volunteering with Joy Fellowship for 6 years, and
Amasa for 3. I consider these camps as very important, for I am
able to assist the campers and their parents. Individuals with
disabilities, including both physical and mental handicaps, are
very special people. They have so much to offer to humanity.
However, society does not see them as important, and as a result,
their lives can be very difficult. Camp is a place where those
with handicaps can escape the pressures from society. They are
able to associate with people that accept them and those they can
relate to. Going to camp gives them a sense of independence.
At camp, they are able to do activities that they may not
normally be able to do. For example, sleeping outside in a tent or
going swimming. I volunteer at these camps, because I receive so
much fulfillment from seeing the joy that they express. Joy
Fellowship gives the campers a chance to use their various gifts.
For one example, Lori Anne, a woman with Down syndrome, helps lead
the choir at the front through sign language. At camp, we have a
skit night, where campers are able to participate and express
themselves through drama, without being judged. Each camper’s
gifts are celebrated, and their weaknesses do not matter.
The organizers would never be able to put on these camps with
out the volunteers because if they had to hire care aides and
workers, the camps would be unaffordable for the families and
individuals who come.
By spending time with the handicapped, I realize how much I
take simple things for granted, such as the ability to walk, eat
by myself, and to even think and express myself. I realize how
fortunate I am to have these abilities.
Each of the campers has learnt to accept their disabilities and
to work around them. Their disabilities have allowed them to show
greater abilities in aspects such as love, joy, friendship, and
contentment. These are the very areas where many of us are in fact
disabled. Through working with them, I have come to realize how
life is not about our disabilities, but our abilities. We must
focus on our abilities and talents. Even those of us who can walk
and talk have our disabilities, but they are less apparent. We
must always focus on our strengths. Despite their disabilities,
the handicapped have a greater ability to express love and joy. It
is my goal in life to be able to help the handicapped work around
their disabilities and to become more independent. Volunteering at
these camps has been the best decision in my life, and I know I
will continue to work with the handicapped in the future.
This letter was used as an application for a
Soroptimist International award.
