I am fortunate to have the support of family and friends that provide me with the help I need on a consistent basis. My mother helps me with my children; I can depend on her for child care, picking up from school and dropping them off at their extracurricular activities. My father is a financial support by providing my children with allowances and extra surprises. I recognize that I am blessed to have my parents, I know so many people whose parents are deceased. The benefit of having such supportive parents is I don’t have to rely on strangers to take care of my children when I am not able to. They are always in the care of people who love them and only want the best for them. If I did not have my parents as a part of my support I would feel lost.
I have great girlfriends that I can depend on to talk to when I need encouragement or someone to talk to. As an only child (biologically- I have step siblings) my long term relationships with my girlfriends are special to me. I have known them since childhood and they are like my sisters.
Over the last several years my family has been dealing with my stepfather’s depilating illness. His health deteriorated to the point of him losing control of his lower extremities. He is now totally wheel chair bound. It was difficult dealing with him during the challenges; when he could have changed his condition and use physical therapy he chose not to. So I have imagined myself with that type of challenge, the lost of my legs and the ability to walk. I know I would need supportive family like he has. A partner and children willing to arrange excellent health care, drive me places, and help with the small things I can’t do for myself. I also would need my support circle to encourage me and not enable me.
I am also fortunate to have my parents nearby to help me with my children, to talk to and to do things with. My husband and I have, over the years, considered moving - but I can't imagine living far away from my parents.
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing support system that you can rely on. I agree, you are very blessed to have your parents in your life as well as your children's lives. No matter what the challenge may be, whether it is needing someone to pick up your kids from school or helping in the case of being bound to a wheelchair, support systems are very important and play a major role in our lives.
ReplyDeleteJenelle,
ReplyDeleteYou are very blessed to have family support that is close by. Mine are several hours away, so I don't have that privilage. After my grandfather had his stroke he could no longer speak nor walk without a walker. I saw the frustration on his face as he could not get the words to come out correctly. Thankfully he had the support of my grandmother, but it took a great toll on her health too. Many supports for all are necessary, not just for the victim but for the caretakers.