Thursday, July 16, 2009
As so many of the "baby boomers" who grew up in the CCC must feel, I am saddened to hear of Jean Storey's passing. She was a friend to all, and a part of our lives from the Tuesday Night "4th Floor" days of the old College Building to the last time we were at Camp Zion. "Jean's Place," at Camp now holds an even more poignant memory. I grew up under her watchful eye, and counted her as friend. One particular memory of her brings a smile -- early in my career as a camper, I had a blue sweatshirt, so big that I had to roll up the sleeves to wear it. Over many years, this sweatshirt travelled with me to Camp Zion every year. The last time I wore it to Camp, I was a counselor and lifeguard, and the sleeves, which were by then too short, and seriously frayed, were cut off one day before I went down to the dock to watch the kids swim. Jean asked me if that was the same sweatshirt I had worn for the last ten or so years. I was amazed that even such a small detail from one of "her boys" would catch her attention. After that camp session, I burned the sweatshirt in the same way we were taught to burn old flags, in honor of its long and faithful service, and in honor of the lady who noticed that long service. Good-bye, Jean. We will miss you, for awhile, until we are all back together again. In loving memory, Jack Edwards
