A Child's Advocate: Daily Supports

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Daily Supports

The types of supports that I need as an individual on a daily basis include

- My glasses- I’m legally blind and if I didn’t have these puppies life would be harder in many ways. My glasses allow me the ability to mow the lawn, drive a car, prepare meals, and see more than 3 inches from my face!

- My sticky notes- Heaven forbid if I didn’t have a sticky note to write down my lists of endless thoughts that go on in my mind. From grocery items and appointment reminders, to things I need to do around the house and a dream I had last night. If I didn’t have my sticky notes many of my tasks and to do’s would be forgotten.

- My daughter- She helps me to focus on the best things about life which are- curiosity, learning new things, and keeping an imagination. If I had never known her I would have missed out on what it was like to have someone depend on me for their survival. I would have never felt the love I feel so strongly in my heart every time I look at her.

- My friend Rachel- Rachel is my help line. Lucky me she answers the phone when I call even if she is sure that there will be tears coming from the other end. She helps calm me when storms approach and she is my instant common sense relief when I’ve lost my mind. If I didn’t have Rachel I wouldn’t have a steady ear to talk to, to release tensions and stress.

A specific challenge that I currently do not have would be to lose my husband. Emotionally this would devastate me. He is my rock and who I gain my confidence and trust in my abilities from. I would probably pack up my daughter and I and leave my current state and move back to where I am from to be with my family. Practically I would need to pay off all of the debt we incurred together and I would most likely sell both of our cars and our belongings to do it. Physically, I would feel weak at first and helpless. But, I know for the sake of my daughter I would have to overcome my emotional distress and be strong for her and I to survive and start a new life, but to always remember him.

4 comments:

BobbieAugust 6, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Hi Tina,

I also have a 'common sense' friend. In fact, looking back I have had to have one all my life. I suspect there is no chance of my improving now. The one who is that person for me now, refers to my off the wall despair as my 'idiosyncrasies'. Isn't that lovely! Much nicer than mentally deranged.

I also agree with you that although we cannot imagine our lives with differences, we humans are pretty resilient. There is most always a light around the corner.

Thanks for your post.

Bobbie
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tinaAugust 6, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Bobbie,

Thank Heavens for the ability to roll with the punches! Although some do it better than others, or should I say me. :)

Tina
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Abby & AdamAugust 7, 2011 at 4:41 PM
Hello Tina- I always enjoy learning people's supports because it is so different for everyone. What would we do without sticky notes? I wonder how many I use each year? :)

Abby
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PEningowukAugust 7, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Tina,

As a 51-year-old who is slowly loosing her eyesight I cannot imagine what life would be like to be diagnosed as legally blind. My 8-year-old daughter helps me to appreciate the little things in life; snails slowly crawling, goldenrod flowers breezing in the wind with wheat and oh how I would love to preserve all those precious hugs! I can really relate to the importance of sticky notes also. I have them in my purse, in my car, on my desk and every once in a while they are next to my bed!

Thank you for sharing your support systems in life!
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Personal Childhood Web

Terry- A neighbour of mine when I was a teenager. She was like a big sister in a way and treated me like my age instead of like a small child. I could confide in her and she helped me through a sticky situation when I was in high school. She taught me that although things seemed bad at the time and like there was no possible way out, that all things end eventually. That thought has helped me through some tough times in my life.
Chris- My brother. Chris joined the service when I was young, but when I'd visit him he never ceased to congratulate a grade or a new step in my life. He is someone who gives appreciation and shows admiration to everyone. He is intense to learn more about you and to help you feel better about yourself along the way. He carries my favorite trait which is sometimes hard to find- common sense. I hope I have gathered at least a handful of his knowledge and kindness along the way. His open heart and courage to do good is a constant reminder to me that there is more to people than meets the eye.
Kathy- A friend of my mother's, she was and still is someone who tells it like it is. She would never hide anything about the truth to me and she was comical in telling it. If I had a question, Kathy had a straightforward answer. Still to this day Kathy will not hesitate to give meaningful opinions and life lessons to me. I don't call her enough, but I do think of her constantly especially when life throws me a curve ball and I make some kind of joke out of it!
Louise- A friend of my mother's, she was someone I could tell things to that I was afraid to tell my mom. She would comfort me and let me know I was normal and tried to figure out ways to help me in any situation. She stayed calm and optimistic and I always admired those traits about her that I wish I could have found at home. Louise has definitely taught me to stay true to myself and not try to change to meet another's needs. She's also taught me positivity lasts longer and doesn't create as many wrinkles.
Melanie- She was a childhood friend who had a stable family life and was very intelligent. She helped me study and she helped me see past what other's thought to find out what I thought. Melanie is someone who I assume went on to become some kind of life changing scientist. She showed me dedication, and for a young child to see a peer unafraid of committment to something left a lasting impression.