Family Stories:
A Camp
Ray-Ray Story from 2007.
Eight year old Kyler was back with his parents for his fourth camp. Wildlife encounters are Kyler's favorite part of camp. During a hiking excursion, he met up with an elk. When the elk gave Kyler some attitude, he fearfully walked away only to have a bird land on his head. The bird did not frighten him like the elk; his only concern was if the bird was going to leave a deposit behind on his head.
Abandoned at birth by her AIDS mother, HIV+ Amanda was adopted by Jenny,
her birthing nurse. Jenny, a single mother raising her two teen children,
found room in her heart and home for Amanda. One month into Jenny's new
journey, she brought her family to Angels Unaware to share their story.
Here, they connected with other families experiencing similar journeys and
found encouragement. Today, Amanda is embarking on her 14th birthday..and so
is Angels Unaware!
Raymond started his life at a disadvantage January 31, 1990. He was born with
AIDS and his mother deserted him at the hospital. He was moved from one foster
home to another. At the age of one his spleen was removed and was expected to
die. He was placed in a medical care foster home to die when he was 18 months
old. Fortunately a speech therapist visited the home weekly to work with several
children in this home including Ray. After working with Ray for a year she
decided to become a foster mother to care for him. For the next 11 months of his
life he never knew so much love and joy. He met his idol Garth Brooks, went to
Disneyland, learned to swim and ski, and made many friends, experiencing the
joys every child is entitled to. It is in Raymond's honor that Camp Ray-Ray was
inspired and named.
Justin, 15, and Joe, 7 are beautiful children living in a turbulent
home. Their father died of AIDS several years ago. Their mother has AIDS
and is getting sicker each day. There are no family members near by. Their
mother is trying to find a place for her children to live together. Most
adoptive parents only want a young child, no more than one and certainly
not a teenager. It's very likely that the boys will be separated for good
at the most needy time in their lives.
The Smith family is doing well today, two girls and a boy. They are a
vibrant family, active in their church and the children's schools.
Unfortunately, Mr. Smith has AIDS. He's healthy now with a good job and
benefits. Soon will come a day when he gets sick, leaving his wife to care
for the three children on her own, and the children to explain why their
dad has died.
Copyright Angels Unaware 2007
10/16/2007