To me support means being there to assist someone or something. To help keep something from falling.
I am going to imagine a specific challenge that I do not currently have and the supports that I would want. I am going to imagine myself bedridden for a month (God forbid). I would have to rely on my support system to take care of me first and foremost, my children, my home, buying groceries for that month, cooking, paying the bills. I would need my support system to run my business. OMG... my support system is well needed and this gave me time to look over my support system and say "Thank You." Many times a person does not realize the value of something until it is well needed.
Looking at factors right now in my daily life that are supportive to me I would have to start with my family support system. Along with this support system I get my emotional, physical, practical, and almost any other kind of support a person can think of. My husband is very supportive. He is right there beside me to assist me in keeping the house under control. He supports my educational needs because during the hours that I need to focus on my school work, he makes sure that I am not interrupted. Having three children and owning a childcare center requires me to lean on various support systems. My mother is there for me when I need someone to step in a take care of my three active boys. Without her I would not have made it through college or various stages in my life. My sister is there for me in the same way. She sometimes come over and cook dinner when I am running over at the daycare. She makes sure the boys have their homework complete and OMG she makes sure I don't come home to a dirty house.
My employee that I have to assit me at the daycare is a much needed support. Anytime I need to step away from the center be it personal or business, she is right there to help me make it through the day.
The families that have children enrolled in the center provide monetary support. If they pulled their children out I would not have a business.
My church family is a major support to me as well. When I am having a rough time or just need some inspirational motivation, I can turn to my church family.
My children are as well... They are there to make mommy's life joyful.. They are always asking how my day went and doing little things to make me laugh when they feel that I am stressed. They tried to join together to clean house one time.. omg.. water was running on the floor, and my clothes ended up red. But I had to laugh after I got over the shock. It made me happy to know they care enough to try and help.
I have friends that are there to help me make it through the day. Without these supports I do not know how I would function. I do not think I could.
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI identified several of the same supports as you, although I did forget my church family (oops!!). My husband sounds a lot like yours in that he gives you time to do school work, helps with the kids, and such!! Good men, we have!! :)
I also like that you identified the families at your daycare as support. And your assistant sounds very well valued too!
It's amazing all the support that we get from our kids and yet they do not even know they are "supporting" us. I can not imagine going one day without the hugs, kisses, and cuddles from them. They are the only support that is resilient to my flaws! :)
Very nice post!
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post. I enjoyed reading about how much you value your husband, mom, and sister. It made me think about my family. Your sister sounds wonderful with everything that she does. I don't have a sister, but I have a younger cousin who babysits for me all the time, and she is like the little sister that I never had. We actually call ourselves twins because we look very similar.
I also cannot imagine my life without my son. He gives me the extra boost every day, especially when things get crazy. He is such a joy to be around and he makes me so happy. I cannot imagine what it will be like when goes to college. Just the thought of him leaving makes me tear up.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your post. It sounds like you have a wonderful family!!!
Andrea