We have met as strangers 

With a common goal 

Brought together wholly 

Under God's control. 

 

First did the days of training 

(mental work extreme) 

As we planned and practiced 

We became a team! 

 

Nervous and excited, 

Ready to begin, 

Then it was up on us - 

It was "sink or swim"!

 

Trying to remember 

All we had been taught… 

Finding that our limits 

Were farther than we thought… 

 

Leaning on each other 

As the days grew long; 

When we hit a weak spot 

Someone else was strong.

 

Caring for each other: 

"Do you need a break?" 

"Can I get you water?" 

"You are doing great!" 

 

Heart to heart connections 

Sprinkled here and there… 

Ears atuned for "flight check!" 

Constantly aware.

 

Favorite jokes and phrases 

Grew tattered at the ends 

We were more than team-mates 

We'd become true friends.

 

Tired but triumphant  

At the end of day, 

Exhausted and exultant 

Holding tears at bay.

 

Then we'd have team meeting - 

This was therapy! 

"Hurrah" for "super ninjas!" 

"We have sinergy!" 

 

When we'd share our highlights 

Strength and courage new 

Filled our weary bodies - 

We had work to do! 

 

Then at last the parting… 

Must we say goodbye? 

The families - they need us! 

Will their children fly? 

 

Parting with our team-mates 

Was the hardest part… 

We belonged together! 

We were joined in heart. 

 

Together we felt sorrow 

For what we could not do; 

Together we witnessed miracles 

And hope that slowly grew. 

 

We laughed and cried together, 

We sweated, worked, and played… 

We ate and rested together, 

We teased and sang and prayed…

 

And now that we are parted 

I can clearly see

That for nine amazing days 

We were family.

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Poem written by our AMAZING team member, Shanelle Zeiset, after her participation in her first Family Bonding Program... 

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That team is still close and in constant contact.