Can dreams come true?

Have you ever been in a near-miss accident? Do you know that feeling of panic that lingers in your chest? Maybe it radiates down your arms into your fingertips leaving a tingling sensation? That is your body’s response to something it did not anticipate. Now imagine that every day of your life, you experience that sensation. For many children with special needs, their environment is a threatening place due to the demands that are placed on an atypically-developing nervous system.

Now imagine these children in their wheelchairs unable to access a playground or with disabilities that do not let them hang from a jungle gym? What if their favorite play experiences just don’t exist for them?

Then Rotary’s Camp Florida is a dream come true. Nestled in 21 acres of canopied grand oak trees and two lakes is a magical place. Founded in 1991 to operate and maintain a year round facility for children with medical and emotional special needs, this camp is a project of Rotary Clubs throughout Florida. Rotary’s Camp Florida provides a safe, secure and sequestered location for children with special needs to reach their full potential. Everything possible is done to reduce the risks and increase the sensitivity to their special needs.                                                                                    

On September 26^th, 2015, a new playground designed in the dreams of the camp’s children came to life.  Servant hearts, willing muscles, sweat and an army of 315 volunteers came together for a “build day”. The completed playground was dedicated early afternoon.  KaBoom playgrounds, MetLife Foundation and Rotary District 6890 provided funding, playground build materials, logistic planning and leadership.

 

So Tyra, that is a wonderful story about service above self but what are you trying to say?

“When it comes to living our lives, we spend too much of our time living as an egocentric avatar – overly attached to our perceived identity and societal opinions.  We have an ego, a personality, a history, cultural viewpoints and experiences that overpower the intuitive messages our soul is telling us. Our soul is timeless, eternal and infinitely wise, and it needs to be listened to.”[1] .

The 315 volunteers who showed up and showed out to fulfill a dream of children with special needs believed that the smallest act of kindness is always worth more than the grandest intention. They did not underestimate the power of offering their healthy bodies, willing souls and positive attitudes all of which would turn some very special lives around.

Even as I nurse a sunburned back, these words wanted to be written with an attitude of gratitude. The true gift was in the giving![1] http://www.marcandangel.com/2015/09/13/40-things-your-soul-wants-you-to-know/

Join me at the table. I value your thoughts and I love your company!

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.