Today, I write from the perspective of a Cape Kid’s Mom. Just over a year ago, my son, Luke had just returned from a week-long service trip through St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chatham to Preston County, West Virginia. Throughout this service week, he and about 35 other young people and parent chaperones helped the people of Preston County with home repair (most absolutely necessary) as well as support within their community. When Luke returned, he expressed that he couldn’t wait to go back next year. I truly saw a different young man come back on July 1, 2015 than the kid that left on June 25, 2015. I had to know more.
When the time arose for sign-ups for the Appalachia Help weeks for 2016, Luke asked me if I would be willing to chaperone. Did my 17-year-old son really want to spend a week with Mom?!?!? I was jumping on this opportunity before he could even finish the question! I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but as the week approached, I was starting to get really excited. So I took the shopping list and went out and purchased all of my tools, proper clothing, gear, air mattress, etc. Luke had this part down and worried about
Well let me tell you, this was a life-changing week for me! Not only was my 46-year old self changed from the stories of the people of Rowlesburg and it’s surrounding towns but what really blew my mind was these youngsters. I was so incredibly blown away with their passion, excitement, relationships with each other and teamwork, but most importantly THEIR COMPASSION! Their tolerance, acceptance and LOVE for the people that we helped was nothing short of amazing! I watched boys and girls working together with adults to make the lives of these amazing people in West Virginia better.
This crazy world that we live in these days constantly is rearing it’s ugly head of bullying, racism, inequality, profiling and unfortunately I could go on and on…but the change starts with the young people in this world. I can only hope that the good work that Luke and his peers are doing will be infectious and this Cape Kid will take his cape and run with it! I couldn’t be more proud of my very own Cape Kid!
xo Ann Ciccarelli