Life lessons from ‘Sesame Street’ and my late daughter, Cammy
How Cammy exemplified the values featured on the children's TV show
My late daughter, Cammy, loved “Sesame Street” because it was the world she imagined for all of us. Kindness, patience, unconditional love, empathy, hope, and acceptance are just a few of the core values our family learned from the show, but we actually lived them with Cammy. Our daughter’s world involved singing, dancing, and magic every single day.
Just like the Muppets on “Sesame Street,” Cammy was made of only the good stuff. She was incapable of hurting anyone, not just because of her physical limitations due to Rett syndrome, but because her heart was so pure.
As on “Sesame Street,” Cammy thought it was normal to hang out with celebrities and be friends with professional athletes. She went backstage to meet the singer Andrea Bocelli after one of his concerts. Cammy rocked out on the field at Fenway Park, in Boston, during a Dropkick Murphys concert, then hung out with the band afterward.
Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer Duncan Keith made Cammy’s dream to ice-skate and score a goal come true. Their friendship continued, and they were on a panel together at a Blackhawks convention to share their experience. Keith would send Cammy video messages on her birthday and when she was in the hospital. He called to share his condolences after Cammy passed away last December.
Our family knew the importance of community workers, just as they are celebrated on “Sesame Street.” Firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, and so many more helped Cammy and our family in more ways than we could ever recall. She didn’t fear any of them; she loved them and the gentle care they provided. Their love and support went beyond their job descriptions as these individuals provided hugs and wellness checks for our entire family, not just Cammy.
Cammy loved school. I think in her mind, it was her personal version of Abby’s Flying Fairy School from “Sesame Street.” Nonstop fairies flew into her room to provide education, therapies, friendships, and care. School made Cammy feel safe and loved, and helped her to enjoy her limited lifetime. The staff embraced her, believed in her, followed Cammy’s lead, and loved her like their own child.
It was only fitting that Cammy’s Make-A-Wish trip was to a Beaches “Sesame Street”-themed resort in Turks and Caicos. A full week of hanging out with life-sized characters was a dream come true. Cammy cooked with Cookie Monster, danced with Zoey, read books with Elmo, and ate meals with Grover.
As I reflect on Cammy’s short 14 years on earth with us, “Sesame Street” was integrated through it all. When I hear the words “Sesame Street,” I no longer immediately picture Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, or Cookie Monster. I think of Cammy. She fit in perfectly.
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