August 23, 2008
Dear Laraine,
I am using email because I couldn't wait to write. I just want to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for everything you and the camp did this week for Sarah. I can't tell you how much this week has helped her to heal.
You helped Sarah learn to share so many of her feelings, worries and concerns and to then come home and share them with me. We are very close but this opened new lines of communication and I felt so privileged that she was able to share her journal with me. She made new friends and felt very accepted which was so important to her. And she had fun, fun, fun. Every night at dinner she would tell us how much fun she had, what they did that day and talked about how much she liked and cared about the people there. This was such a positive experience and will help her healing and help those of us that love her to help her along the way.
Thank you again.
Fondly,
Diane (Sarah's Aunt)
8/12/09
Time for Teens Camp August 10`-13th 2009
To all those sitting in this room at Time for Teens camp, this is for you.
First off I would like to say Thank you to everyone, it has been a rough week for all of us and we each got through it together. There is nothing better than to watch a group of teenage strangers become such great supporters and friends. We can now call ourselves a family. Through the good and the bad everyone reacted great and supported one another. Waiting for this week the entire summer I had no idea what I was in for, Laraine tried and tried and tried to explain it but I just didn't understand. Laraine, I finally get it! There are many ways to describe this camp but right now in my mind, I can't think of just one thing to describe it, there are a billion ways anyone can describe it and 100% are all good things. I give each and every one of you credit to have the courage, the risk of taking chances and talent to be a part of this awesome adventure. I want you all to stay strong each and every day and please do not shut yourselves down. Everyone is a beautiful young adult, and to have pain on your shoulders like we all have does not keep you from staying strong. You must stay strong, fierce, confident, and have a ton of courage and support everyone you see who is hanging low. Remember "You are the Author of your own life story." Say what you need to say, maybe react a bit kinder to others, respect them, and treat others the way you would want to be treated! For each participant to share their story about what has happened to your loved one, took courage and you had it and still do. Sometimes it is good to let your emotions out and this week there have been many, TRUST ME! I'm the type of person who does not like attention and somewhat tough as nail, but to shed my emotions this week has me strong, and you guys even stronger! Hang in there and hold your heads up high, never look down and represent the one who has past, picture them still with you. I am always here for each and everyone one of you, and if you need someone to talk to, everyone is listening and will help you get through it. I want you all to Thank Laraine also, if it wasn't for her loss, who knows what we would have been doing this week!
I am sorry I had to leave early for college today, but for the emotions to run through me like that made me set and ready for the world. I will be back next year and hope to see the same group of faces again. Thank you all God Bless and "Dance as if no one was watching!"
Lots of Love, xo
Anonymous Teen TFT 2009
