He had Cerebral Palsy and required total care. He was always pleasant, and allot of times I would hear him laugh, but I never paid much attention to what was making him laugh.Chapter 12
Wesley Forest -- Spring 1994
This weekend I learnt another lesson in underestimation. My camper was Mike U. Mike U. had come to camp a few times before, and he was even in my cabin some of those times. Without close observation, Mike U. didn't seem to grasp allot of what was going on. He had Cerebral Palsy and required total care. He was always pleasant, and allot of times I would hear him laugh, but I never paid much attention to what was making him laugh.
I quickly learnt that Mike U. was almost always paying attention to everything that was going on, and would laugh at any funny thing happening anywhere in the room. Shortly after he arrived. I unhooked him from his wheelchair and went to lift him out. I tried to pick him up be he didn't seem to budge. I looked for a buckle or strap that I missed but couldn't find any. Mike U. was just heavier then I thought. When I did finally pick him up I said "Mike you're heavier than a bag of bricks." Mike U. responded with loud laughter. From then on I observed Mike's reactions more closely.
Mike U. always seemed content; he never appeared to react negatively. Sometimes this let you take Mike for granted. But being Mike's counselor opened my eyes up to how much he does understand and grasp. Anything, even mildly humorous, seemed to make him laugh. As I got to know Mike's sense of humor, it became quite enjoyable trying to make him laugh. Once again I learnt a valuable lesson from my camper.