Cameron of Today

By Jody Kemple

The most powerful way to alleviate hopelessness is to bring meaning and purpose to suffering. Cameron of Today demonstrates the power of mentorship, gratitude and the unfathomable omnipotence of unconditional love.

Jody Kemple’s Freedom series features the lives of children walking in the rut of life with no hopes, dreams or passion and poignantly interweaves lessons of loyalty, humility, trust, integrity, and faith into the fabric of rigorous, coming-of-age adventures. Through mentorship, thankfulness, and love, each child transforms into a visionary trailblazer, giving back to their community in big ways. 

Cameron of Today tells the story of Cameron, an Italian-American boy living in the Bronx of New York City who travels west with his Uncle Ed to Oregon for a summer of fly fishing and whitewater rafting. Cameron’s summertime adventures and new challenges help him to develop the character and resilience he needs to become an intentional and effective servant leader. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Morgan James Kids
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781636981574

Jody Kemple

After being a longtime resident of Bend, Oregon, Jody Kemple now enjoys ocean views on Cerritos Beach, Mexico. Spiritual, sales, marketing and children's curriculums—including the popular non-fiction Recapturing Your Original Blueprint—paved the way for Cameron of Today, the first release of Kemple’s Freedom series. 

Book preview

GET UP!

Cameron resisted against his mother’s arms pulling him out of bed. Get up!

I don’t feel good. I’m not going to school. Get out and leave me alone, Cameron snapped. He jerked his arms free and turned his head, burying his face into his pillow.

Actually, you are going to school. Get up. You have ball practice this afternoon and you know you can’t go to practice if you miss school. Miss Thompson is giving a math quiz. Your friends will miss you. Get up.

Miss Thompson, the middle school math teacher, was a godsend. At age fourteen, Cameron had more than a first crush on his teacher. He was totally in love. Lori did not care what motivated Cameron to be excited about algebra. Literature and art were his favored classes in school. Although basic math came relatively easy for him, algebra took extra effort. Which meant evenings with homework.

Investigating neighborhoods in which to buy a home in New York City, the quality of the public schools ranked high in importance to Lori Bianchi. She knew she and her husband could not afford to put the boys in private schools. Although well rated, Catholic schools were not a consideration. Cam Sr. attended Catholic school and over his dead body would his kids get within a hundred feet of one of them.

It was affirming for Lori to find a home in their price range on Dwight Place in the Throggs Neck section of The Bronx. Edward A. Barnes Middle School was within two miles of the home. EAB’s great school rating stood at nine out of ten. Also, Throggs Neck, a narrow spit of land, creates a passage between the East River and Long Island Sound. Living close to a river felt familiar to Lori who spent childhood summers on the abundant waterways and lakes of upstate New York.

Cam Sr.’s interest in Throggs Neck was that it was spared a severe urban decay affecting much of The Bronx. Property values had declined immensely. But the Neck held its own. Cam Sr. placed the most importance on an investment’s potential to make him money.

Miss Thompson is takin’ a day off to go to the doctor. I don’t need those stupid friends and the Broncos suck, Cameron whined. He brushed his tousled blonde hair out of his eyes and continued to bury his head further in his pillow. He held on tight to the bottom rail of his metal bed frame with the arm furthest away from his mother’s reach.

I do not care how badly you feel, Cameron Edward, you put your INGs on your words!

Watching what had become a typical morning routine, Lori remembered Cameron first starting school in kindergarten. He burst out of bed every morning in anticipation of a new adventure awaiting his awakening. Anything out of the ordinary. Chocolate chips in pancakes. A new action figure toothbrush. Surprises greeted with giggles and excitement. Cam Sr. could not help but smile and shake his head at his youngest son’s enthusiasm.

Cameron never missed that smile on his father’s face. He wrapped his small arms around his dad’s thighs and hugged them tight. Lori loved those moments. Cameron looked up to his older brother too. Following Derek around whenever he could. Most of the time, Derek didn’t mind and sometimes he even let his younger brother tag along when he was hanging out with his friends. Cameron had been such a happy and optimistic child.

Young Cameron loved to draw. On most Friday evenings he set up a mock art gallery on the bookshelves of his older brother’s room. There he displayed his week’s creations hosting a gallery debut for his family. His brother Derek pretended to be paying attention by propping himself up on his bed on one elbow. He could watch Cameron from the corner of one eye while he read a hot rod magazine with the other. If Cam Sr. came home on Friday evening, he begrudgingly stood in the corner of the bedroom with arms crossed on his chest and shoulders slumped. Lori, as mom’s do, looked forward to the event all day on Fridays.

Cameron, oblivious to his audience’s attention, burst into the presentation of his masterpieces with a detailed description and story about each picture. At the conclusion, Cameron closed by saying And now, shall we go into the kitchen for refreshments? Winking and nodding at his mom indicating it was time for her to run to the kitchen and put out cookies or chips. Some nights Lori popped corn, topping it with sweet, creamy butter to lure Cameron’s father and brother into the living room for more family time.

Young Cameron. Bringing sunshine, joy and hopefulness to his mother’s oftentimes cloudy day. Awakening Lori’s awareness of the sweetness of life. How she missed it by being detached from the simple things. Young Cameron made Lori’s life bearable.

Where in the world did my Cameron go? Lori asked herself, staring down at her defeated, depressed teen-aged son.

A single tear streamed down her cheek.

CAM SR.

Cameron Sr., whose surname means pale skinned, and first name means crooked nose, went by Cam. His nose was only slightly crooked? Cam worked as a sales representative for an international Italian tile distributor. His territory covered the east coast and he traveled regularly to Italy to meet with manufacturers. He also made trips to Charlotte, North Carolina for training and to the corporate offices of his three national accounts at least twice a year. Cam traveled and was away from home a lot. The family had grown accustomed to his absence for entire weeks at a time.

Lori moved and operated as a single parent. Many people outside her inner circle and family did not realize she was married. Mostly off the radar, her husband refused to be tied down to a schedule. He could not be counted on to participate in family events, parent teacher conferences, doctor appointments, meetings with the CPA, insurance reps, or anything involving a commitment to a set date and time. This was frustrating for Lori because although her own family’s expectations of her were minimal, Cam’s immediate Italian family exceeded 100. Lori was expected to participate in every baby shower, wedding, christening, birthday, engagement party, and graduation and she felt guilty when she did not. Attending and taking gifts to these celebrations taxed both her time and purse budget.

Living in New York, including The Bronx, is expensive. Cam made good money selling tile. However, bad investments and get rich quick schemes had depleted the Bianchi savings. A rich man’s taste, a dozen designer suits hung in his closet with Italian leather shoes to match. On his rare weekdays in town, there was a seat waiting with Cam Sr.’s name on it at the Wednesday night poker game. Set up by Cam and a few guys from his old neighborhood, the game gave the men an out while their wives took the kids to youth group. More than once, making poker night his priority had caused problems at home. But Cam felt like he deserved to have a break when he was on home turf.

Because of the benefit package, Lori worked in patient records at Jacobi Medical Center. The most highly revered hospital in The Bronx. Her minimum hourly wage did not offer opportunities for saving. But having her own paycheck gave Lori a sense of independence. She could buy things for the kids with her own money and pay for groceries and utilities. Knowing the electricity would not be shut off made Lori feel secure. The telephone being her lifeline to the few friends who supported and understood her situation. In late nights, the internet drifted her into a calmer, peaceful world. Or, a world of excitement, adventure… romance and love.

Every third Tuesday of the month, Lori Bianchi walked a half mile north on Dwight Place, made the first right on Ampere Avenue. Another right into the door of Baci’s Salumeria. She bought one pound of authentic, natural Italian salami, hand cured by Cristiano Sopressata.

And a lottery ticket.

Lori’s way of admitting, if only to herself, she wanted out and she was doing something about it.

BAD NEWS

Lori popped a bagel with cream cheese into Cameron’s backpack. Despite his resistance, she pushed him out the door in time to ride his skateboard to the bus pickup at Spencer and Stadium to make it to school for first period. She wondered why Allison Thompson had a doctor’s appointment. She made a mental note to ask her next time she saw her.

Cameron had no interest in his first period social studies class. Rubbing his already weary neck, he propped his head into his palms and leaned onto his elbows resting on his desk. Learning about the past and its impact on the future. What a waste of time. It wasn’t his past or his future. Those were already predetermined by some big, evil, devil who had it out for him since the day he was born. In his mind he thought who gives a rat’s? I’m just tryin’ to get through the day here, man.

Zack and Joey simultaneously sat down across from him at the lunch table like two perfectly synchronized swimmers. He had to ask himself who hangs out with bozos like this? Despite their overzealous personalities which got on Cameron’s nerves, he did feel energized around his two best friends. He sat up straighter and shot them a sideways smile.

Hey, man, did you hear about Miss Thompson? Zack asked Cameron. He snatched Cameron’s biscuit off his plate. Holding the biscuit in midair, Zack snickered You don’t want this, do you? Before Cameron could respond, Zack tore into the biscuit and Joey interjected. She’s got cancer! You already know that don’t you dude? Can you believe it? I dunno if it’s the kind that’s gonna kill her, but isn’t that crazy? I mean, she’s so-o-o young. Talk about a knock-out. That body cannot have cancer.

Cameron’s ears filled with the sound of a freight train barreling down a tunnel. His body swirled above his head turning his stomach upside down. He stopped breathing for a long moment before taking a strong surge of air into his nose. Standing up, he shoved his lunch tray into Joey’s chest. With the air being forced out of his nose, Cameron leaned into his friend’s faces and grimaced. You idiots don’t know what you’re talking about. He stormed from the cafeteria.

LATE FOR WORK

Since Cameron told her about his teacher’s doctor appointment earlier that morning, Lori was not surprised to see Allison Thompson getting out of her white Subaru in the parking lot of the hospital. She felt comfortable scurrying up alongside her. She and Allison had become casual friends in their team effort to keep Cameron’s grade point up with a decent marking in algebra. Cameron told me you were taking the day off from school for a doctor’s appointment, Allison. Is everything all right?

Allison’s mind was preoccupied. The voice surprised her. She looked over to find Lori Bianchi walking beside her. She welcomed Lori’s smiling, familiar face and realized she felt lonely walking into the hospital by herself. Particularly on this day. No, Lori, everything is not all right. I know the school staff have been talking. It is not a secret. I am sorry I did not call you. I have been overwhelmed. I have breast cancer. Lori stopped. No longer beside her, Allison turned to see Lori, her face in her hands. Touched by Lori’s reaction, she ran to give her a hug.

I am sorry, Lori. I had no intention of throwing that at you. I thought you knew.

Is there anything I can do?

Allison started to say no, I will be fine. Looking into Lori’s red eyes with mascara running down the side of her cheek, she felt Lori’s sincerity and decided it was okay to ask her for a little support. She asked Lori, What time do you have to be at work this morning?

Lori stopped by her supervisor’s desk to let her know she would be late for work. Rachel said no problem since Lori rarely took time off. On her way to the oncology lab, Lori grabbed two cups of decaf vanilla coffee at the vendor in the lobby.

A little something sweet while you wait? Lori offered Allison a coffee.

No, thank you. I am not able to drink or eat anything this morning. I am fasting from all food and liquids. It smells amazing though. Thank you. I do not understand the logic behind having to fast to get pictures of my chest. They laughed.

Ok, you can save it for later. It is decaf. It won’t keep you up tonight. What are they doing today? Lori asked, putting the coffee on the table next to Allison’s plaid purse. She noticed the purse matched Allison’s shoes and smiled. She imagined Allison getting dressed for such a tough morning and deciding to bring her own sense of style and flair into the storm.

I am getting a complete once-over to see if the cancer has spread and how far along things are.

Is that scary for you?

Yes and no. I’ve not talked to you about this, Lori. I am not religious. I do not make it to church often. But I love God with my whole heart. I know God loves me, lives in and through me. I have absolutely nothing to fear. But we are human, right?

I know I am.

My body is having reactions to all of this. They don’t exactly line up with my faith.

Like what?

Well, I have been waking up with panic attacks for one.

What else?

I am always on the verge of crying.

Oh, sweetie, how sad. You can cry now if you want.

Ok. Allison leaned into Lori’s soft, lavender cotton sweater.

I am so sorry, Allison.

CALLING A BROTHER

Cameron stormed into the boy’s restroom, slamming his fist into the paper towel dispenser. He yelled out to the empty stalls, What were they talking about? After lunch he had fourth period Algebra. Miss Thompson was out. The substitute might still be giving the test. With all this stuff running through his head, the idea of sitting through a class made him want to throw up. He was torn. Knowing his teacher would return to school to find he had ditched her class, he did not want to disappoint Miss Thompson. She might blame herself. Cameron groaned into the walls and hit the towel dispenser again.

At ball practice, Zack and Joey cautiously approached Cameron. We thought you knew, man. Your mom and Miss Thompson are friends, right? We had no clue, really, Zack said.

Oh surprise, surprise, you idiots are clueless, Cameron thought. Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.

On her way home from work, Lori stopped by A & M Fresh Supermarket, her favorite neighborhood whole and organic store and picked up a dozen chocolate macaroon cookies. They were Cameron and Derek’s favorites. The cookies found their way to the Bianchi home for times of splurging and celebration. Also, for times needing comfort, like today.

From the driveway, Lori could see Cameron’s silhouette in the picture window watching television. Relieved he was not held up in his bedroom in front of his computer like usual, she stepped into the foyer with a smile. Lori tried to be honest and up front with her sons. She did not sugar coat the tough stuff or make light of things, like their father’s absence. Tonight, she knew she needed to have the conversation about Allison’s cancer with Cameron first thing. Hanging her keys on a hook by the door, Lori tossed her faux leather black purse on a small end table. She went directly to the couch and sat by her son. Pulling two cookies out of the brown paper bag made from recycled paper, Lori asked if Derek was home.

I dunno, Cameron answered.

I have some bad news about Miss Thompson, Cameron.

I already know.

How?

Joey told me. Jerk.

Today?

At lunch time.

I am sorry, Cam.

Don’t call me Cam.

Lori placed her pointer and middle finger under Cameron’s chin, raising his eyes to look at her. Hey, she is going to get through this. She is a strong person with a wonderful faith in God.

Cameron twisted his face from his mom’s touch. What does God have to do with this?

Cameron Edward, I will not have you swearing. A glazed look on his face, Cameron stared into the floor. Allison has breast cancer, Cameron. I sat with her at the hospital today while she had tests. She will know in a few days what stage her cancer is in. Very few people die of breast cancer.

But some do, Cameron said, picking up the television remote he began flipping through channels.

Yes, some do.

Before going into the kitchen to put on a pot of Avgolemono soup, the Greek’s cure for whatever is ailing you (her friend Adara had said it works for Italians and Norwegians too) Lori stepped into her bedroom.

She placed a call to her brother in Oregon.

HOPE’S ARRIVAL

Sitting in front of the picture window for over an hour with his duffle bag and motorcycle helmet tucked under his legs, Cameron was eager to break free from what felt like prison. While he’d never spent more than a few hours with his uncle, he thought Ed was pretty cool. He was a professional fly fisherman in Oregon and lived on a huge property next to a river. Cameron was looking forward to the things his mom had said he might do in Oregon. Like riding motorcycles in the desert and whitewater rafting, stuff he could never do in The Bronx. Cameron’s reaction to hearing the rumble of the diesel truck pulling in their driveway sent a sharp pang into Lori’s mothering heart.

Lori remembered her youngest son who sat like this waiting for his dad to come home from a business trip. Cam Sr. promised to take Cameron to a ball game or the latest action film. Nine times out of ten his dad did not show. At first Cameron made excuses for him. Ah, he probably got hung up in traffic. Or I’ll bet he’s got a million-dollar deal on the table and he can’t walk out.

But after years of disappointment Cameron did not sit by the picture window. He sat in his room in front of his computer. Lori would knock on his door, peek her head in and let him know his dad was not going to make it … again. Looking at Cameron with her sad hazel blue green eyes, he knew. Shrugging his shoulders and mumbling a go figure, Cameron returned to his games. He decided a long time ago he didn’t give a crud about Cam Sr. Giving a crud and hoping his dad would give him love and attention was more hurtful than just accepting that he was a jerk.

Lori was thankful today that Cameron had enough hope in his heart, and enough trust in this uncle he barely knew, to sit in front of the window and wait.

Edward merged on the New Jersey Turnpike North, stopped to pay a dag gum toll, and crossed into New York. Heading into the congested Throggs Neck leading to The Bronx, traffic thickened. Ed was reminded of why, although he grew up two hundred miles north in the same state, he had not once visited New York City until his sister moved there. Now,