Don’t Stop Believing ………. Today was another life changing moment for me.  I was invited by Nicole Rubin of RMHC to join a group to visit in the life of the campers as they are experiencing their camp moment. I found that the experience was their gift to me. Our first moment was a brief tour of the camp. We arrived near to their lunchtime. Just before lunch, the 141 children attending the camp, welcomed us with open hearts. I was joined with 43 other guests and each of us was greeted.  We were each honored by one of the camp groups with a sign with our name on it. We joined that group for songs and games. My group was the youngest group of girls age 9. They were each so precious. Their first song introduced me to their names and what was their favorite thing to do. It was so emotional to see the joy of their spirit and the love in their hearts. They did 4 songs and gave me a big hug. Tears came rolling down my face and I realized that LOVE is the center of our being and that when we reach out and help children in medical need we are showing love to others and that we get so much more love back in return. The love these children gave to me and the other visitors was so rich and heartfelt. had lunch with these 9 year old girls. They were so full of love, life and courage.
Donated by the Bob Chandler Foundation, is the 50 ft. alpine tower, which is part of the courage course that the campers climb.
Messages of hope, courage and fortitude encompass the campgrounds whether it be in the artwork and quotes on walls, through their own voices in song and the hearts of all that participate at the camp. The most touching thing happened while lunch was in progress. Each camp group would sing songs during the lunch. One of the older girl groups started singing the song DONT STOP BELIEVING.  It was so touching I had to leave briefly from my table to go outside and sobbed from the deepest depth of my heart. After I composed myself, I went back to join my group and finished lunch. I consider this song and moment in my life to be among the most emotional moments of my life and their gift to me. I also want to express how much I also enjoyed being with 2 special members of my foundation Barco’s Nightingales.
Nicole Rubin is CEO of RMHC So. California. Fran Wiley is a volunteer nurse with the organization and member of the initial group that founded the camp years ago. Fran is also a member of my nursing council, helping me to find ways to honor and celebrate the nurses who make a difference in the world by helping children. I am so touched with the greatness of both Nicole and Fran. I am truly honored in knowing you both and deeply appreciate your gifts of your time and help to with my new foundation. Overall today was another day blessed by God.  It was a day spent towards children’s future. Michael