You’re amazing, KZ. You could be one of the most inspirational people that I know of (TRUTH) so for you to say that to me…means the WORLD. Thank you. I’m going to hang onto that all day.

Thank you!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO x a million.

Hi Stacy! I’m so happy that you connected with the post (but I’m sorry you got teary.) I know how that goes.

Just from your comment, I have no doubt that your son is exceptional. It’s sad, and wrong, that so many view “exceptional” as “weird,” but I know how that goes too. Camp would be a great place for him, if not Tanuga, any camp where he fits in and feels comfortable and celebrated. When he’s ready, or you feel he’s ready, we’ll be around.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. It makes me happy to know that there are other people out there who feel as adamant about this topic as I do. Thank you so much and I hope to see you back here one day soon!!

Hazel, you are truly amazing. My dad was all about the Golden Rule when I was growing up. In fact, I can’t believe I didn’t say something about that in the post. Maybe I should add it? You are brilliant and managed to “bottom line” what I was trying to say PERFECTLY. How do you always do that??? It’s like you’re in my head!

I also love what you said about “building bridges.” I am putting that one in my arsenal for sure. Girl, I don’t know where you came from, but I’m sure glad you found me. I always learn something from you and I know all the people reading your comments do too. You are a treasure!! For realz. XOXOXO!!!!!

Yeah, you know, that skill of appreciating others for who they are? Seeing the good in people, even when they are letting their freak flag fly in some way.

I think that sometimes, our intentions toward tolerance have to be summed up in that one simple phrase: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” We are fortunate in that, while elementary school can be a hard testing ground for these ideas, KIddo’s judo club models the attitude of tolerance you are promoting at Camp Tanuga. Having other entities besides mom and dad back up what we are saying is beyond value. We joke that we would pay the Sensei to just sit and talk with the kids; he makes an impression and thus, the attitude is so welcoming and kind among the kids — and Kiddo makes me leave too!– that I know he’s in good hands when I am gone and receiving something he wouldn’t get at school, where teachers are more inclined to tell an annoyed kid to ‘just ignore’ another child than to try and build any bridges between them.

Good for Camp Tanuga and good for you and Cody in seeing how important it is to model this life skill!

Jake V–You are crazy cool. Thank you, love!! I love that you like it. 🙂 We’re going to have a fun summer!!!

Maddy!! I feel like a famous person is commenting! But beyond that, you are truly one of the best moms I know, and ANYONE who knows you feels that way. If camp made them better (and I hope it did) it’s only because they came from one of the only other homes in the world that I would be comfortable sending my own kids. Truth.

And thank you for commenting. (BTW). 🙂