“The Prisoner Exchange”
“
The Prisoner Exchange” started the first Sunday morning in June 1945 when Grandpa and Grandma drove up to the front of our home in their 1935 Gray Ford Tudor Sedan. Mother had the day before prepared me for the events that would be unfolding this day. My mind, being only eight years old and unencumbered with any real knowledge, imagined only the worst. I envisioned myself being sent to an Interment Camp for boys.
To give a little background, our home was in a West Philadelphia Ghetto neighborhood. Eight square blocks in total. This neighborhood was its’ own world. Stores, schools and restaurants. Like any world, there was good and there was bad. Parents would sit on the stoops in front of their home at night and chat with neighbors. The the younger kids played street games like Buck Buck, Half ball and Round Up much like their older siblings, who now belonged to street gangs, had done years before. Gangs were just like the gangs of today but with less violence. Still it was very tough neighborhood that had a large penchant for young boys to get in trouble.
Where was I, oh yea, Grandpa and Grandma were out front. Mother herded me with my little satchel of clothes out to the car and off we went. The Interment Camp where we were headed was 2 or 3 miles north of Stroudsburg in the Pocono Mountains. About 250 miles from our home. Once out of the city and on the two lane county road the miles seemed to drag by with no end in sight. It was boring until Mom showed me something. There were a series of signs along the road side. Mother had me read them out loud. These signs were spaced about fifty yards apart and each sign had a portion of a verse on it. Here are a few of them.
within this vale…of toil and sin…you head grows bald…but not your chin…Burma Shave
Henry VIII…sure had trouble…short term wives…long term stubble…Burma Shave
if daisy’s are…your favorite flower…keep pushing up…those miles- per -hour…Burma Shave
I was hooked big time. I stuck my head out the car widow looking for the next series of signs. With this diversion the miles just melted away and soon we arrive at the Interment Camp. A dozen or so other young boy prisoners also being incarcerated were there. I didn’t have a clue what to expect. A man came over to Mother and was talking with her. He looked at me and said, “Nelson, follow me, I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping. He took me with my satchel to a large wooden tent like building in the woods with maybe a dozen or so beds with foot lockers inside. Some other inmates where already there. We received instructions about our incarceration from some guy whom I could only assume was to be our Warden. I only remembered one instruction, and that was I could have visitors on Sundays between 12 and 3 pm.
Mother had previously told me my incarceration would last the entire month of June and she would be back to visit me next Sunday. I couldn’t wait for Sunday come. Finally it came and it found me hours before 12 noon hanging around the Inmate drop off area watching and waiting for Grandpa’s car. Finally I see it and there in it was my was my Mother. I was so happy to see her that I talked and talked like a Chatty Cathy doll on Steroids the whole time as we walked up the hill to my little Cell Block in the woods. Mom, while I continue to talk and talk, was putting fresh clothes in my foot locker when suddenly she sternly looked at me and said, “Nelson you have been wearing the same underwear for the entire week“ “Take them off and put on these clean ones right now” Busted. This very same scene would be repeated for the next 3 weeks. Finally on the last Sunday I was at the usual Inmate drop off area watching a whole new bunch of boys being left for their month of incarceration while I and my fellow June Inmates were being released back into the care and custody of our parents. “The Prisoner Exchange” occurred and would continue to do so every summer Sunday for all the Inmates of my Interment Camp which if it were 1953 I probably would have dubbed it Stalag 17.
This Incarceration scenario would be replayed for the next four years in exactly the same fashion. It is so vivid in my memory that hardly a day goes by I don’t rise up and Bless my Mother who for me was the woman of Proverbs 31:28. Mother knew the danger I was in growing up in the Ghetto. She sacrificed her time and her “Widows Mite” to get me away from the Ghetto even if it was only one month a year. It was during one of those months at Camp Shadow Brook Christian Camp for boys that I met the Captain of my Fate, the Lover of my Soul and became a Christian. It has been 65 years from that first Sunday in June 1945 and not once I have not felt and experienced the life changing effects of being loved by my Mother. She listened and obeyed the ONE who listened to her prayers and told her to send me to a Christian Summer Camp for Boys.
Now I’m 73 and I am still traveling on the Highway. Only now it is the “Informational Internet Super Highway“. Long gone are those cool roadside signs. But that doesn’t deter me from enjoying the trip. When I find a site or Blog that grabs me, I remember those Signs along the road, and in my mind link them to the writer. Here I’ll demonstrate.
If she doesn’t kiss…like she uster…maybe she’s found…another rooster
or maybe,
the Monkey took…one look at Jim…and threw the peanuts…back at him
And finally because Brown Nosing and Sucking Up knows no age, especially for an old Fart like me, we end with this:
Be like…a Noble…and not…a Knave…Caesar drinks…%^&*@!
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Great to hear a bit of your story Nelson! Praise God for faithful mothers!
.-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..Silly Saturday – Facebook song =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 5th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Yep Kevin, Mothers are the best. And of course mine was the best. Thanks for stopping by..
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Nelson,
I absolutely love to read your posts. They are so vivid that I feel as if I’m there beside you. Sounds like you had a wonderful Mom who cared so much that she made sure you had the opportunity to experience different avenues of life. I for one, am so glad she did cause now you share her gifts through your gifts of words.
Thanks so much for the wonderful story from your childhood.
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..Have You Started Your Bucket List?
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washouse Reply:
June 5th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Thanks Val for being a true Friend. Did you notice the link to your web site. Hope it worked.
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I loved this post Nelson! As a parenting educator I teach about the power of camps to transform children’s lives and awaken new passions. I love too that you see the power of your mom’s vision for your life, and how she guided you so brilliantly. Thanks for sharing this great post!
Jacqueline Green´s last [type] ..Beyond Praise: Building Character, Encouraging Positive Behavior and Increasing Resiliency
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washouse Reply:
June 6th, 2010 at 6:23 am
How true Jacqueline, camp can be a game changer for the youngins. I sent my kids and they send their kids. Thanks for you kind comment and I look forward to many connections here and on your page.
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You are a true storyteller. Brought me back to my days at camp, waiting for my parents to arrive. And I remember a song, “Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder” from a young boy who was miserable at “camp” until he suddenly found a way to have fun. But for you it turned out to be a life saviour. Thanks for sharing this wonderful vignette of your life.
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Erica those where the day were they not. Yea we had our share of kids who it seemed cry the whole time. I would not be the person I’m today without Camp Shadow Brook. Of course I’ve had some who wish maybe I hadn’t survived the living in a tough Ghetto.
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[...] on June 7, 2010 by cobbinaloic The Prisoner Exchange http://dirtnaponhold.com/the-prisoner-exchange/ This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← [...]
Hi Nelson,
I have a brother who is DownSyndrome. When he was 18 (it’s been 10 years ago) I was so inspired and empowered to hear my mom in a conversation, as she was deciding Brian’s future, deciding he would live in adult assisted living.
Your post reminded me of me of my mother. Yes, the pressure of that decision… moreover, the passion that she had, to do what was necessary.
Thanks for your wit and your ability to tell the story to allow others a fresh perspective on our own lives!
Lisa Molina’s latest blog…Disney Channel Teaches Kids “Show Your Parents How to Be Smart Online”
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Your life Lisa living with your brother is beyond me. It takes a Grace only from above to let us see the complete picture of life. Your Mother certainly is out of the Proverbs 31:28 mold. Thanks for sharing.
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Nelson,
What a awesome story. I too have spent time at church camp. Ares was only a week. but I always loved it none the less. Love the way you shared the experience. The picture of the car added value.
Bill
Bill Hartman´s last [type] ..Power of the Mind
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:33 am
The car is a guy thing isn’t it Bill. Haven’t received any comments on the dog and the underwear yet. Guess that might be a little gross. Hey thanks for the drive by.
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Nelson – You should make a book out of all these wonderful stories! Hey – Maybe that’s the answer to how you can make some more money with all this internet stuff:)
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..OnlyWire – Social Bookmarking’s BFF!
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 7:21 am
yea, that and $4.50 will buy you a StarBucks any time.
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Nelson,
Another great story from a great person! Having a blog and writing like you do, let’s people truly understand who we are behind the screen. It so wonderful to really get to know people through social media. Dawn and I are having the time of our lives while making new friends like you did with the prisoners during your summer trips.
Keep up the excellent work!
Dave and Dawn
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Your too kind. Thanks for the encouragement. I’m just a enlisted man in the trenches following the example of my Leader.
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Hi Nelson,
You moved me and made me smile! Maybe there is hope that my son will someday understand and tell me he enjoyed the 4 weeks every summer that I “sent him away!” I’m not sure if my son changed his underwear, but I have a feeling he wore the same socks!
Cathy
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washouse Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Believe me when life starts to wear him down he’ll remember the summer days you gave him. Thanks Cathy for gracing my blog with yet another real family story..
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nelson your blog is such a wonderful legacy of your life. i feel like i’m listening to story time!
i had my worst moments and best moments as a kid while at summer camp. i think it’s a right of passage for american kids! i spent one week at girl scout camp being tormented by a mean-girl-bully who told everyone i was a boy. and i also remember winning a swimming competition and feeling complete exhilaration for the first time. how fun it was to experience freedom without parents too!
Melissa McCloud´s last [type] ..How I Manifested Dental Care
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Well you certainly weather the bully and become an outstanding Blogger in TSA. Ah summer camps can have strange effects on us . Thanks for stopping in Melissa.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Beautifully written.
I know growing up, I thought my mother thrived in watching me suffer, but like you – realize the torture we endured as children were in many instances, the preparation we needed to become the one we’ve been called to be.
Blessings, Nelson!
Paul Klaszus´s last [type] ..Practice Holding your Vision
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washouse Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:45 am
As the saying goes Paul, Without my Mother I wouldn’t be here. Thanks for the support in coming by, see you on the spread sheet.
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Wow – you just brought back a whole flood of memories, Nelson
I do remember the one time my parents came to pick me up and I was so covered with mosquito bites that I had scratched that they wanted to leave me there 
. Swimming and fishing and canoeing in the lake were fabulous, though, and campfires ! I now have a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Thanks for another heartwarming post – I can’t wait to see your next one
Lori
Lori Tisot´s last [type] ..How to Implement “Do Follow” on Your Blog – Get Your Links Noticed
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Isn’t it fun to be able to have such fond memories. Thank you Lori for your uplifting comment.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Excellent told story. You are such a great storyteller. It’s like I was there. I look forward to reading more.
Karla Bond´s last [type] ..Spirituality Leads you from Stuggle
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Your complement Karla is very gracious. I love telling stories and if I were Irish it would be “Blarney.”
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Nelson,
You are an incredible writer, I love reading your articles. It sounds like you could write a very interesting autobiography. Keep these coming!
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washouse Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:42 am
Gabriel, I never can imagine writing an Autobiography. Too many years and too many Senior moments. But I do enjoy the attempt to bring others into a World long gone. Thanks for the kind comment Gabriel and please drop by anytime.
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Nelson, this was another great story, you tell it and make me feel as if I was there. I enjoyed this and can’t wait until your next one. Keep sharing your personal stories it really let’s people know the real you.
Lori
Lori Robertson´s last [type] ..Do You Worry About What People Think About Your New MLM Business?
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Thanks Lori for being a faithful commentator. I do so appreciate you. We all have these stories in our life. I’m just old enough to not care if people laugh at me. Stop by any time please.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Thanks, Nelson. This brings back some memroies of summer camps I went to. I only went for a week at a time. And memories of my mom, who was also a great lady. Thank You!
Have a Great Day
Chester
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Thanks for dropping by Chester. I honored to revive good memories in you. Well all have lives with amazing stories that need to be relived if only in our minds and thoughts..
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Hi Nelson,
I love this story…it warms my heart! Your mother loved you so much and wanted a better life for you, a life that included Mother Nature and God. What memories! And such a well-written piece. Your perspective on life is so wonderful!
Only you would use the metaphor of a prisoner exchange when describing going away to summer camp!
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last [type] ..Predictably Irrational: The Keys to Your Success May Be the Opposite of What You Think
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Yes she did and I am the better because of her. The older I get I see more and more the value of parenting which to my shame came no way near my Mothers. It is always a joy Mary to have you aboard. You are appreciated.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“Top Cat Club”
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Good parenting seems to be a lost art. So many people are still licking the wounds of their own childhoods before they start having kids themselves.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..The Rather Odd Concept of Back-End Marketing
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:18 am
That’s kinda sad isn’t it Nicole. While my father was not there I have only good memories of my Parents. Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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Ah Nelson,
I love reading your posts, I can visualize everything in your story in my mind, and those pictures! The one with the underwear! Priceless. I liked your welcome video too! I tell ya for 73 you DO have much to offer, a wealth of experience and a loving heart … I’m a fan..
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washouse Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Thank you Lesly for your kind comments. For the record those were not my undies. Please continue to stop by any time.
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Hey Nelson,
Wow that was awesome! If I had the time I would stay and read more of your articles, but instead I will move on and come back regularly!
Thanks Nelson, and I have to say I love your naked bum scratching man!!
Sue
Sue Collier´s last [type] ..Network Marketing Has Changed!
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washouse Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 5:55 am
Sue before you ask, no that is not a character of me. I thank you for dropping in. Please enjoy and come back often. The “Tea” is always on and the “Scones” freshly made.
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Nelson
You had me all the way to the end. You are such an interesting character and your writing reflects this. I will be back for more. Took me a bit to find where to actually click to be able to make a comment but I found it.
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..Tribe Content Syndication – what is it?
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washouse Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Sorry Belinda you had some difficulty in finding the comments. That’s one fault with this theme, however the pluses out weigh it. Thank you for stopping by. I do appreciate the effort you and others make to support me.
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You are a wonderful storyteller (I still remember my very few Girl Scout camping experiences after all these years). Isn’t it interesting that some of the things our moms required turned out to be good for us in the end? Your mother sounds like a smart woman to find a safe place for you to spend that month of camping. Our outlook on pivotal moments change as we reflect on our lives. Thank you for sharing one of yours.
Jennifer
Jennifer Akers´s last [type] ..Twitter Moms: Over 25, 000 Smart Moms and Growing
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Jennifer, the stories of our Lives are the accumulation of the stories in our minds. We live in accordance with how we feel about those stories of years gone bye.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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Nelson,
You Did It Again :O)
You are one of the most creative bloggers! I truly enjoy reading your stories and they sure do inspire me as well as bring up so many valuable points that we should never take for granted!
Thank you for being you :O)
{{hugs}}
Lyn-Dee Eldridge
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