Everyone needs supports. I have many supports.
One support I have is my husband. My husband diligently works to provide for me, and my children. He sometimes works 80+ hours at the hospital to provide for us. He undergoes stress so I don't have to. His everlasting faith strengthens our family. His humorous spirit makes us laugh and makes stressful situations seem minute. My husband provides financial support and emotional support. He also happens to be my "GUY" best friend. I can tell him anything. He loves me unconditionally and makes sure I know it.
Another support I have is my best friend Rosa. I have known Rosa since I was a child. We grew up in the same church and are best friends to this day. She is my confidante when I need a female ear. She is my spiritual sister. God didn't give me a biological sister but gave me a spiritual one. I wouldn't know what I would do without her telling me to relax everything will be ok. She has seen me go through many changes and is my child's Godmother. She is a strong woman and I respect her opinion.
Another support I have is family, friends, and church. Church serves as an outlet for frustration. I can go to God when I feel I can't go to anyone. God has been my cornerstone all my life and I wouldn't have anything without his grace and favor in my life. My family has been amazing. They have been a saving grace when I had my children and underwent an emergency C-section and needed someone to help me. They cooked for me, babysat, cleaned, ironed and did everything I couldn't do for myself or my family. They did it with a joyous heart and much love.
Another support I have is a lot of the practical things such as my computer where I can communicate with others frequently and where I can complete my classwork. Another practical support is my car. I go everywhere in my car. I don't know how I would do all that I do without it. I can't picture myself riding a NYC bus or train with an infant and a toddler.
Wow, I didn't really want to think of any challenges. But I figure one challenge I can write about is getting sick. Rheumatoid arthritis runs in my family and if that was to happen to me it would limit all that I would be able to do. How can I complete a computer course if I am in excruciating pain when I type? How can I cook for my family, iron for my husband, drive my car, scrapbook with Rosa, bake cookies, and braid my daughter's hair? I guess I would need my support on a daily basis. I think I would probably have to hire a cleaning lady and get some more assistance on a daily basis for everyday house duties. I would have to have my husband do more of the daily chores such as laundry and food shopping. I would be more dependent on others which is something I wouldn't be happy about. I would probably need the support of a physician to manage my RA. I would probably have to be on meds or even an exercise program. My life would change because I would need more and different support.
Wasn't it wonderful to reflect on all the support in our lives? Our blogs are so similar. We are both so blessed to have loving, supportive husbands and families. I never thought about computer support. That was a new idea and you are exactly right - technology supports me in more ways than I can count. Thank you for sharing these very personal comments.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you have so much support in your life. It's refreshing to see that you had a hard time coming up with a challenge. It must mean that you look at the positive side of life, a wonderful attribute!
ReplyDeleteWow! Reading your blog made me realize just how much we take things for granted. An illness can turn your entire life upside down. I do not like to be dependent on others, but one thing for sure "He may not come when you call him, but He'll be there right on time." I truly believe that GOD place people in our lives for differnt reason, and he has surrounded you with what seems to be a team of supporters.
ReplyDeleteHi Johan,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post and I think you have an awesome support system. I never thought about the computer and other tangible things as support but they truly are! I agree with your post about illnesses changing the way you normally run your life. Many of us take things for granted when their are are other people, some within our families that are challenged by completing daily necessities. Great post!
I put some of the same supports on my blog. I would be lost without my computer, too : ) Amazing that we didn't grow up with computers but now are so dependent on them!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a good support system, Johan!
Very rarely do we ponder how different our life would be if we needed additional support. Through our readings and discussions on inclusiveness this week it is crucial to think about how we can be a support to the children, in particular the children with disabilities. As educators we can support our students emotionally, intellectually, and socially. What a gift and privilege this is!
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