When I think of the word "support" I think of something or someone that is strong enough to lean upon (whether figuratively or literally), to bear the weight of something or someone else; like leaning against a tree, or standing on a table--they both give support or strength to hold up the weaker object or person. I've shared some of my daily supports along with their benefits to me through a previous blogs – see Relationships Reflection (Channey-White, 2011).
On a daily basis, I find that I do well when I receive the support of my family, my business constituents and colleagues, as well as my proselytized religious beliefs. In my earlier years I relied heavily upon practical supports such as written reminders and specialized lists. Today, although I’m older and it would seem most appropriate to have things written down as reminders, I do not seem to function well with these same tools used in the past. Now, when I write things down, I can’t remember where I put the reminder notes; therefore, they are of no use to me at all.
This week’s EDUC course assignment is to imagine a scenario that challenges my need for supports and to describe factors within my daily environment that would be supportive to me. So, let’s imagine J
IMAGINE: If your mother was gone.
Emotionally: Because I rely heavily upon the support of my mother, I would definitely have feelings of disconnection, uncertainty, fear of raising a child alone without her input, and depression. I count on her for spiritual, moral, and emotional support—it is hard to imagine life without her.
Practically: I would predictably feel as though I had no faithful, trusted, or dependable child-care provider assistance for my son, counselor/advisor for myself, or personal encouragement that I could trust to be sincere and truthful. Whenever I am in need of respite or retreat for the purposes of regrouping and strengthening myself, I go to my mother’s or arrange for my son to spend time with her. Practically, I do not know of anyone else that I would trust my son with; and travelling to her home was a very low-cost vacation opportunity.
Physically: Again, mom’s house was a haven to go to for retreat to recollect, regroup, and revitalize. Her establishment is about 1.5 acres of countryside in the southwest area of Michigan.
SUPPORTS: In her absence, I suppose that I would reach out to some of the current associations that I have right now with the Head Start Agency and Public School for helpful resources that they may have to offer me through their parent resources.
Emotionally, I would have to strengthen my religious connection with God and surrounding faith-based organizations to participate in their family support groups. Practically, I would reach out to my immediate and extended family members for assistance in caring for my son, as well as develop associations with peers and their parents for support. Physically, I would try to connect with the available resources given to parents of early childhood students. I may even pick up walking or running—good physical health helps to keep one alert and ready to stay on task.
References
Channey-White, C. (2011, May 14). Relationships Reflection [Blog message]. Retrieved from http://eleazar-lazaros.blogspot.com/2011/05/relationships-reflection.html
Cymantha,
ReplyDeleteI always love reading your blogs. They are such an inspiration. I can relate with you about imagining if my mother was gone. My mother has played an important part of supportive networks. She has always been there for me and my family. I can't imagine how I will live without her. I have witnessed a family where the mother was the "backbone" of the family. After she died, her family tore apart. Everyone scattered living their own life, not keeping in touch with each other. Emotionally, I would have to gather strength from God, because I know all things are possible with him if we only believe
CC, I enjoyed reading your definition and thoughts on supports and also enjoyed the process of imagining for our assignment. It caused me to reflect and recognize many valuable supports in my life that I may or may not recognize and consider often, but that play such an important role in my life.
ReplyDeleteMy parents have also been an amazing support in my life and losing either of them would be too painful for words. The way you recognized your mother and spoke of her as a strong support in your life describes a person who would be great to meet and calls for great respect. What a treasure is your mother and it's wonderful that she is indeed in your life. Faith is also an incredible support that never fades.