~:[CH8 - Day 222]:~ The Elements of an Ohana

~:[CH8 - Day 222]:~ The Elements of an Ohana

It takes a lot to grow together as an ohana. It's been such a long road, but as I stand here on our last day of camp, I realize how much it takes to make it all work. It takes parents willing to send their athletes off, athletes willing to put the time and effort to make it work, it takes a crew to help prepare and organize, and a place to host it all. As we survived the week itself, I saw so many people fill their roles and step up to the plate when it was their turn. Everyone seemed to know what's going on and when something needed to be done. The athletes fulfilled their roles and the counselors did the same. When you step out into the open and see everyone doing what needs to be done, you smile, because the stress of micromanaging disappears, as everyone knows just what to do. Often times I get credit for "putting on" this camp, but without even having to assign roles, the work gets taken care of and in the end, we enjoyed a week so full of the elements of life we all can enjoy. It's easy to pass each of these camps as "another year," but in reality, every one of these camps becomes another special moment in my life. As I sat at the table of our final moments together at a post-Mammoth dinner, I smiled knowing that together we have failed and struggle together, but ultimately, we have carved our path up the mountain and found a way to come together as an ohana. Life will never give you an easy road, but when you have all these elements of an ohana, it make it seems like that's the exact path you've been given one - one paved for you. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people around me who made this week so special and helped made even the most challenging of situations bearable. RNR OHANA