Bir, Yeki, Ush

Posted by the Ulan Work Group



Bir, Yeki, Ush. One, two, three.  It is just as simple as that. We used these numbers often in our time at the CP camp. From starting wheelchair races to playing with a parachute to taking lots and lots of pictures, knowing these three numbers was very very helpful.

This camp was to help the mothers and grandmothers of these children get to know each other, give support to each other, and give them some rest. We were able to accomplish these things by all sorts of activities. One activity that was genuinely enjoyed was jewelry making. Karen brought all kinds of beads and clasps to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The women were a bit shy at first but then transformed to giddy schoolgirls without a care in the world in a matter of minutes. Before this time, they didn’t really want to leave their children with the helpers but during this activity it almost seemed like they forgot they had children. Meanwhile, the children went on a “walk” with some of the helpers and then did a secret craft activity that we had them give their mothers and grandmothers later. This secret activity was a picture frame. Earlier in the day, we had taken a Polaroid picture of the mother/grandmother and their CP child. We put those pictures in frames and then had the children decorate the frames. Of course, the mothers and grandmothers loved it.

We also got to go swimming again at this camp. The water was much warmer in this pool but the wind was much much stronger. The children enjoyed being in the water. It was great therapy to work on their muscle control and relaxation. The pool was also nice for the mothers and the grandmothers to be able to relax. The children did not really stay in the water all that long, but we (the helpers) held them while their mothers and grandmothers swam. The pool was definitely a big hit.

These days at camp were the first days these mothers and grandmothers had had a chance to relax since their CP children had been born. They were very thankful for this time to relax and get to know other families with CP children. The mothers and grandmothers were impressed that we would love their children almost as much as they do.