An Angel In Disguise

Two years ago my husband and I moved into a new neighborhood. Along with us were our five girls. Three of them reside with us permanently and the other two are with us during the summer. We moved from an area where we were both close to our parents,and our jobs; so babysitting wasn’t an issue. However, we wanted our girls (yes, five girls) in a better school system. The girls’ first summer in a new city was boring, according to them, except for a place we found near our home where they could swim. We really couldn’t afford summer camp on a daily basis for our girls. This past summer I took them to the same place to swim. I met the woman who works at this place. Her name is Suzanne. She was very sweet and very talkative. She has two girls of her own. She began to talk about the summer camp that was about to begin. She told me to leave the kids,and take some time to my self. The atmosphere at this place was heavenly. My kids rushed me away, especially when they went inside to see all of the fun items to play with. It was funny, because I had nothing to do. I didn’t know what to do with myself, I had no kids. When I returned, I had to literally drag the kids away. My girls didn’t want to leave, unless I assured them they would come back. Money was an issue. There was no way I could pay for five girls for summer camp. She told me not to worry; we would work it out later. My kids were up every morning like clockwork. They fell in love with this angel, and so did I. The discount she gave me was unbelievable, it was very affordable. She made sure I was comfortable. This was her first summer camp, so I helped spread the word.

My kids enjoyed swimming daily at camp, except my 5 year old. She was afraid to at least put her feet in the water. After just a week the fear was gone, and she’s swimming like a fish; even jumping off the high dive. Swimming lessons were actually a separate fee from camp, but she did not charge me for them. There are so many special things I want to do for her because she is such a blessing in our life.

Summer camp is over now, so she decided to try an after school program. Again my kids love it. Last year I had to leave work to pick my youngest girls up from school. Return back to work, and then go back about two hours later to pick up my oldest from basketball practice. My husband works long hours so he‘s not available most evenings. I was so excited when she decided to have an after school program. Every one I contacted about prices, either gave about five dollars off, for multiple kids, or no discount at all.

She searched during the summer until she found a reasonable bus safe for the kids. The bus is cute and colorful with the camp's logo on it. On the first day of school she arrived to pick the kids up. She got off the bus to meet them. She couldn’t turn the bus off because it wouldn’t crank again. For a couple of days she would have to pick the bus up directly from the mechanic, so he could start it. She would then drop the kids off at the building and take it back to him. He finally fixed the problem. That’s just an example of her love and dedication, because she could have simply called all of the parents. Most of us I’m sure would‘ve had to leave work. She didn’t inconvenience us at all. When the kids saw her every one rushed her like they were tackling. This is the amount of love our children have for this angel. Other children were looking because they wanted to go on the fun bus.

Now that school has started she wanted to have something to do during the day. She decided to take some classes at the community college, because our local high school is rebuilding. They will have a swim class and she wants to apply for the job. She was also able to do work study at the college, as a life guard. I hope she is able to get the job; she will be perfect for it. She wants to have her own swim team as well; this will be a great opportunity for her and the kids.

My kids call her on a regular basis on the weekends. They sometimes go to church with her, karaoke, and other places outside of camp. Many times I have to tell them to give her a break. She, on the other hand, misses them when they don’t call.

I know that sometimes taking care of your own family and having so many other obligations can become a financial burden. When I saw this advertisement it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share my story about a person who is such a great asset in my family’s life. She has helped me so much with my kids. Just by being a positive influence to them, and being a trust worthy person speaks volumes. I’m able to rest when my girls are with her, and that’s hard to find these days. We have grown to love her and we appreciate her; such a small woman with a huge heart.

Reba, AL
Posted: November 14, 2008

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