Senior Retreat 2010

For the last couple of years I've considered going on a Senior Retreat at Diamond Ranch. Two years ago I felt guilty because I wasn't able to go. Then when students got back from the trip I heard nothing but positive comments about how meaningful it was for these students. Last year I helped persuade some students to go. The caveat was, "I'll go if you go Mr. Anderson." "I'm going this year" I said. Well I got half way up the mountain in 2009. Then it snowed on the way up. No problem. That's what chains are for...until they break. Then I couldn't attend the make-up session because it fell on the same weekend as mom's 55th birthday. No way was I going to miss that day. So I didn't go. There were some disappointed kids when I informed them that I wasn't going to be able to make it. Fortunately, when they came back they still had a wonderful experience.

Now 2010 rolls around, and the retreat was scheduled for the Spring...on mom's birthday again. I really didn't want to miss her birthday, but when I explained the situation to her, she understood. Mom is cool like that.

I suppose I sort of knew what to expect, but not to the level that it would impact me. It was an amazing experience for the young men and women that had the opportunity to attend. Jam packed with fun, honesty, openness, self-reflection, and encouragement for the future. I have amazing colleagues that are willing to open themselves up to students in order to provide guidance and encouragement to these kids. I was so impressed by the things that were shared by students and staff. I was also impressed by the acceptance that everyone had of each other and the ability of these kids to be so open about personal experiences. Obviously, the retreat is well planned out, but unless the sessions and conversations are embraced and accepted by the students then it would be meaningless.

One of the things that I have taken away from the retreat is that these kids have gone through so much at this point in their lives, but they are resilient. So many of these kids have damaged homes. Parents try to do their best, but it turns out that parenting is difficult. Every kid is different. Every parent is different. What works with one child, may not be effective for another. As a dad I know that my three girls are all very different, and yet somehow, I'm supposed to know exactly what to do, what to say, and how to say it, but it's impossible to get it right every time. Just like these kids' parents, I try to do my best, based upon my past experiences and what I learned growing up. I love my parents, but they weren't perfect. I'm just trying to do my best, just like they did. But I blow it, just like every parent that has ever walked this planet.