The support system that I have comes from the people that are in my life. Support can come in various forms. Support does not always mean in a monetary way. Support can be just listening, providing advice or encouragement. Support is non-judgmental, forgiving, caring and provides a sense of security. Support can be doing some sort of an everyday chore that helps you out from time to time. I have many people in my life that provides me with all kinds of support. First of all my boyfriend, Bryan. He supports me in every way possible and in ways he doesn't even know. There is not a day that he doesn't make me smile. The most important way he supports me is with respect. Everything falls in place when there is respect. I am very lucky to have met him and to have him in my life. Second, my parents and other family members have always supported me. I am very grateful for the wonderful family I have. My parents still provide support to me and my girls as well as for my brother and his children. They are always there for anyone in the family. Both of my parents support me in many ways. My mom really encouraged me and gave me the "push" to get started on my Master's degree. My dad takes my trash to the dump for me each week, saving me time and money for trash service. I know I can always count on my parents and other family members for anything. As such, I have learned how important it is to be there for people not only when things are good and fun, but real support is when there are those moments that can be quite trying and difficult. At some point or another in our lives we have the moments that are the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly. I am so glad that my children have had the benefit of my family's support and to have my family as a role model of what a real family does and what true support is. They have definitely had the bad and the ugly moments from their other biological family. I say biological because blood does not always mean family, friend, support system or even a relationship. Sometimes those that are hurtful are better off not being in your life. Third, I have the support of friends and great co-workers. I have to say some of my friends are like family and some of my co-workers are really good friends. The support I have received from them has been amazing. True friends ride the roller coaster of life with you. Also with all my support systems I find it is multi-directional. Just as all these people have been there for me, I am there for them as well.
When I think of a challenge I think of what a challenge life would be without my support systems. I believe I rely on my support systems in my everyday life. I have had my share of the good, the bad and the ugly times and I don't know how I would have gotten through the bad and the ugly without support from family and friends. But I also know that I do not need to be in a crisis in order to need support. It can be the everyday things in life that I need support with. Whether it is needing to drop off my car for repairs: I need someone to help me drop off my car, perhaps give me a ride and then take me to pick up my car. While at work, I talk with my co-workers/friends and we bounce ideas off each other, look at ways to be more efficient and to provide the best practices to the children and families in our program. There are some days in which I may have had a crazy or bad day and just by talking to someone makes me feel better. On the days in which something great has happened I share it with the people in my life. Life is full of many things, it can be great, it can be hard and scary. I think about those that do not have such support systems and I can't imagine how difficult it is. Everyone needs something or someone to count on.
We are lucky to have such supports. I can imagine how a child must feel when he enters the classroom with a differing ability or language and supports are not in place. It would be very isolating!
ReplyDeleteI also spoke on how my family is such a support to me. I don't know what we would do sometimes without those people that we need to help us throughout the day. We are so blessed.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda
ReplyDeleteNice Post! It is amazing when we have such strong support from family and friends both in good and bad times. It is like you have their backs and they have yours. Like you I also feel that my life would be a challenge without such great support systems.
I think this was a great activity to get us to reflect on the positive things in our lives and not take the people who support us for granted. Not having so much of a diversity at my school, this activity also gave me a change to view life and diversity from various perspectives.
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your heartfelt and real story about the supports in your life. The beauty of that support has graced your life and touched the lives of your girls. It is evident that you value them highly. I suppose valuing the supports in your life is a gift as well.. We can tend to take them for granted and not even see them or act as if they are invisible. Your gratitude and repayment in the form of paying it forward, are beautiful. We all need someone, a caring adult, a friend, a spouse to share and build up.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Catherine
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your support system. I believe that it is very important to be surrounded by people who are there for you through the good, the bad, and the ugly as you say. If they cannot weather the storm with you, then they are not a support. I tend to judge people based on how they react when a problem arises. True supports stand by you while others hide until everything is better again. I also loved the quote you inserted in your post. I would rather have 1 strong person in my life than a 100 people who are not there for me when I need them. It is about quality, not quantity. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Myra