LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
| by Beth Fitton |
| What A Life!
At least once a month, I say, "Boy, I love living here!" My reasons for saying it vary. This morning it was because when I got out of the car next to CAMP Rehoboth, I saw confetti/glitter along the edge of the sidewalk. I know that sounds strange but it is what that confetti symbolizes for me. I'm quite sure that the origin of the sparkles was a party at one of the neighboring restaurants. I also suspect that the attendees had "a gay old time." The confetti, as I saw it, represented freedom to celebrate what is important to us where and how we want. This past Sunday, Mary and I were fortunate enough to be included in an invitation to go boating on local waters. For twenty years in my past, I owned a boat and spent the summer on the Chesapeake Bay so I was totally thrilled to be going along. Captain Evie had us motoring the local bays into the Indian River and out into the ocean going north from Indian River Inlet, eventually turning into Delaware Bay and the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal to downtown Lewes. It was really fascinating to see Poodle Beach, downtown Rehoboth, and the state parks from the ocean. The absolute high point of the trip was encountering a pod of 20 to 30 dolphins off Cape Henlopen. Several of the females had calves swimming with them. The babies stayed so close to their mother and kept their movements so in sync with hers, you would think that they were velcroed together. The pod was feeding and remained in the same area for, perhaps, fifteen or twenty minutes. What a fabulous experience! Later, we stopped in Lewes for lunch at a restaurant along the canal. I must say that six women getting off of a boat to go to lunch any place that I have been on the Chesapeake Bay would have raised eyebrowseven without being recognized as lesbians. This did not seem to even be noted in our locale. I really do love living here! Okay, it is not utopia! We have parking problems and traffic. Occasionally, we have to deal with an uptight tourist. The sea air frizzes your perm. The older I get, the more I think that the secret of having a happy life may have most to do with attitude. I carry more quarters this summer; I leave more time to get into town; I recognize that the tourist will probably be gone next week; and some day someone will come up with a better conditioner for a new perm. I am grateful to be working here at CAMP Rehoboth where I get to be a part of something that really matters in people's lives. It may be a young person who comes in our door after being let down by their family. We provide a safe place and necessary support. At CAMP Rehoboth, questions of sexuality receive help when others may have judged the young person for even questioning. When you become a staff member at CAMP, you sign an agreement promising confidentiality for everyone seeking our services. It is, of course, the right thing to do. However, I often think that it would be truly eye-opening if the rest of the community knew of the support, sometimes lifesaving support, we offer to individuals seeking our help. The financial assistance that so many of you provide to CAMP Rehoboth makes our work possible. Thank you! You are another reason that I love living here.Beth Fitton is Development Director of CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached at beth@camprehoboth.com or by calling 302-227-5620. |
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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 11 August 08, 2008 |