“What does ‘Vacation’ mean to You TODAY”

Jun 13th “What does ‘Vacation’ mean to You TODAY”

Working Vacation

There is for sure one word that means more than anything else in this world … to everyone … and that is the terrific word… VACATION!

Everybody and each and every FAMILY always want to know when their “Vacation Time” will be for them, what month … how long… a month, several weeks, and or maybe, if only a few days?

So how does that work, if you are a child in an Orphanage?

Two years before I was to graduate from the eight grade, there was an announcement made that you would have an opportunity to go to CAMP for two weeks!

Vacation! Even ‘Orphans’ get a 2-week vacation!

The ‘camp’ name might have been ‘Camp Wyman’ – but the girls who wanted to go – were preparing by packing a bag of essentials – and each child would then try on a swimsuit or two to see what looked best on you.

You and your friends will pick out a swimsuit, from a donation, just donated for this special occasion, and a special towel to wrap up your swimsuit.

This two-week vacation was a terrific idea for so many of the girls, especially those… who never received a VISIT on VISITING SUNDAY, from parents and or relatives.

Just giving this “VACATION” two weeks… a perfect time in my mind… would be to spend this time with my MOM!

SO… My choice was to spend the 2-week ‘vacation’ with my Mother at home, as I knew that I could be of a better help to her and would be where I wanted to be, more than any thing else, back in the 1940 to 1950’s.

There was always work at home that my Mother would need to have done … and I was more able and capable of doing than she, back then.

I knew that I would be cutting the grass and washing windows.

Washing windows – an easy job for me, since the window sill was only about 5-foot from the ground (if I fell out), compared to the windows at the “Orphanage”… which were on he third floor of the building.

When sitting 3-stories high – in the window sill – the window frame better be in good shape – or it could be – “curtains”!

Cutting the grass – a job no one wants to do!

The equipment – the type of ‘lawnmower’ you would push back and forth – so very many times – in one spot – the blades must be sharpened with a good metal file – this job does build up ‘muscles’!

Everyone needs “muscles” and… is there a better way to build up the “muscles” and also… for FREE… just by doing your fare share of chores at home for your MOTHER, who… for all her life has always done so much for you!

Two weeks at home with my MOM, were just like I had taken an expensive trip to Florida or some similar vacation spot, the “SUN” works wonders… when you work… in the great outdoors!

When I returned to the ‘Orphanage’ – you would have thought… I had been in “Florida” – good tan and lots of outdoor exercise – working on knees and hands – hand clippers – you move around like a snail – received a very good ‘Tan’ !

“Still Dong!”