When I Look to the Sky by Barbara S Stewart Read Free Book Online

on the island. Andy said he went there for ‘peace and quiet’, Carlee always said ‘beach and quiet.’ She loved every minute they were there. Nanny told her the cottage was her mama’s favorite place. Carlee was happy there, happy being anywhere with Andy.
     
    When Beth worked for the Cancer Foundation she was a proponent for many activities and fundraisers. Well known for her work, one of her dreams was a camp for kids going through cancer or dealing with family members going through the effects of it, both personally and with family. She’d allocated money from her estate to help start the camp. They learned when Beth was sick that a butterfly was the Hospice symbol and those involved in the planning decided to call it Butterfly Camp.
     
    When they planned the dedication, they invited Papa and me, along with my dad and all of Mama’s family. They were announcing the name of the camp. I remember looking around the room, proud and excited, seeing everyone I loved there to witness the big event – everyone except my dad. They showed Kimmy’s favorite picture of me and Mama in a field of daisies. Artists’ sketches of the camp were revealed. I remember Papa’s hand holding mine. They revealed the camp logo – a butterfly, and I cried; Papa was crying too.
     
    How ironic, Andy thought as Carlee made her first trip to the camp in August 2006. She was eight and excited to be part of the Grand Opening celebration. She went because she wanted to, but Andy suspected that she went to see if she would ‘feel’ her mama there. There was a big party before departure to get everyone excited. Some of the kids were nervous or scared. There were no buses the first year, and only a few kids went. They had a van, but most of the parents drove their kids to the camp; they were curious. John was away on business, so Andy took Carlee. Those who drove to the camp stayed to attend the opening ceremonies. 
    A s the ceremony progressed, Andy observed and listened; and his mind wandered… Did it ever even cross Beth’s mind that this would be for Carlee’s benefit, as well? When she dreamed it, did she realize how many children would be there the first year, or the number of volunteers who would work so hard to make it happen?
     
    After the parents left, all the kids gathered to talk and share their experiences. Carlee watched and listened. The first year it was mostly the counselors and the older kids who talked, the younger ones were afraid to talk, so they just listened. 
     
    She’d been gone a week and Andy was ready for her to come home. He missed her, but he was anxious to hear all about the experience, the opening ceremonies were awesome, so he was sure the rest would be, as well.
    When he picked her up, she talked the whole way home about all she’d learned and the activities. She told him how glad she was that she went. And she told him she’d be going back.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    In February 2007, Adaleigh’s single “The Silk Road” earned her a GRAMMY nomination for Record of the Year and she called Andy. They hadn’t talked since the release party and she wondered how he would react to her call, to her request.
    “ Well, hello there,” he said when he answered.
    “ You got the word, right?” she said excitedly.
    “ We did,” he replied.
    “ This wouldn’t have happened without you, ya know. I am beyond grateful,” she told him.
    “ You voice, your words…”
    “ Your guidance,” she interrupted. “Will you be attending?”
    “ Well, yeah,” he chuckled. “If you win, Marco and I get a little statue too.”
    “ Are you bringing Carlee?” she asked cautiously.
    “ No, I’m bringing Marco. Carlee has something going on that week and doesn’t want to miss school.”
    “ Would you and Marco be my escort?”
    “ I’ll be happy to do that, but…”
    “ I know,” she said, “no Cuvee for me…”
     
    Adaleigh’s song, “The Silk Road” won the award, and when the three of them reached