Visit and Volunteering

Friday marked the fourth day of school for the three boys still at home. It also marked the third morning without our oldest. We all seem to be doing well. DH called Mr. Gamer to let him know that Mr. Pirate was really missing him. Amazingly, he had called him as he was pulling into the drive to come home and we were just walking back from the bus stop! So Mr. Pirate got to talk to his brother and be reassured that he wasn't that far away, it's okay to miss him but he would be home every so often to visit and check on him so he best do his homework! Haha! Mr. Rebel was thrilled to hear his brother's voice. As usual, they talked 'video games', being so much alike.

As I left the house at 3:45 pm that Friday afternoon, a blue car pulls up. Mr. Gamer!! Lol! He had come back to get a few more things that hadn't fit in the car the first trip and to pick up his girlfriend to visit with her. He walked up to the bus stop with me to surprise the youngest two, who have missed him tremendously. Oh, their smiles! It was a beautiful thing. Mr. Pirate looked confused at first, unsure if he was really seeing his brother. Then the joy, pure and radiant, came bubbling to the surface! Running, arms open, he was enveloped in a hug only a brother can give. Mr. Gamer smiled, hugging both Rebel and Pirate, growing up in front of me, learning instantly that his brothers' love is something that is given unconditionally and will always be there; always be a joyful thing.

So, volunteering... sounds like a great thing, and it is. Just keep in mind that the volunteering I speak of requires a recovery period. For the last 7 years, the high school band members have volunteered to answer phones during the MDA Telethon at our local TV station. A few years ago, the coordinator had several groups from a different high school back out at the LAST MINUTE. I am talking, she needs volunteers and needs them NOW! So, being a band parent herself, she starts calling all her band kids. I was the first parent that actually answered the phone. For the next 20 minutes we worked out what could be done, who we needed, and "Fran, you're going to need chaperones for this if it works!".

So, DH and I tossed our hat in the ring. What ring? The thing has been called the MDA Overnighter for the last 3 years! Yep, an average of 25-30 high school band kids sleep in a TV station overnight to answer phones at scheduled times during the wee, WEE, hours of the morning. They arrive around 10:30-11:00pm, stuff envelopes, get their sleeping bags set up and work on-air segments and answer phones.

DH and I have chaperoned this shindig every year. This year, we fully embraced our position as chaperones. I was the Girls Warden and DH was the Prison Guard for the guys. The kids sleep in different rooms, on opposite ends of the floor we stay on. They bring games, books, cards, etc., anything to keep themselves entertained until we get passed the first few segements and then they have a few hours downtime to rest. This year we had a rather interesting game of Twister! And I have the photos to prove it! Those will be going on the slideshow at the Spring Band Banquet! heheheh!

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend!