People Who Just “Get It” – A Tikvah Family Shabbaton Reflection

Please read below a wonderful reflection from Bea Kardon, a senior madricha (counselor) in our Amitzim edah and volunteer at our recent Tikvah Family Shabbaton:

One weekend in 2014 my family and I packed up our car and drove to the Tikvah Shabbaton. With workshops and support groups for my parents, fun and properly supported activities for my twin brother with special needs, and entertaining activities and support groups for my older brother and I, there was something for everyone.

It was freeing to be in a space where I didn’t have to explain my brother’s behavior. Instead, I got to talk to other siblings who shared similar experiences within their family dynamics. My parents could talk to other parents about their struggles, worries, and strategies. My brother could have fun with his peers and be supported in the ways he needed. It was a fun weekend away at camp full of people who just “got it” no explanation needed.

Packing up to leave that weekend my older brother and I asked if we could go to camp that summer, though we couldn’t that year, we did the next. With the two of us at camp my family and I continued to attend the Shabbaton’s. A few years later, my twin brother with special needs, was also able to join us at camp. This was significant for me because my twin and I have never attended the same school nor any after school activity, and it was special for my family because it was one of the only things we did together.

12 years later when I heard that the Tikvah Shabbaton was coming back I immediately decided that I wanted part in staffing it. The idea of giving a similar and positive experience to the one my family had, was something I was excited to be a part of. Helping create something so formative for me felt so special. A particular full circle moment was leading a sibshop, a workshop for the sibling participants of the weekend. Going from participating in these workshops, whose discussions and activities have stayed with me, to leading one for others was meaningful.

The ability to be in a new space, surrounded by new people, while discussing the nuance of having a sibling with special needs, could not have been possible without the impact of the Tikvah Shabbaton. I can’t wait to be a part of more!