My Supports

Welcome to the section on y blog relating to the word “support”.

Merriam-Webster defines support:

·      To hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for

·      To maintain in condition, action, or existence

In this challenging society of so many different issues to face it is nice to know that I personally have support for most of my issues.  I do find myself being more of a supporter than in the return.  This is an issue that I have looked at in this last week in reading and listening to others.

In order to receive support you must be open to accept it.  As we are strong individuals we at times think that we can travel through the journey of life alone.  I have always thought by asking or accepting support that I was a burdening individual and that it showed a sign of weakness.

As I have learned through the years that is not true.  I give support so I need to welcome it in return.  I have had many challenges in my life as to where I need support.  There are many supporter’s in my many situations such as mentors, professionals in the early child hood field, friends, and neighbors are just a few of the supporters that I have had and are still very involved in my life.  These people have been there to soak up the tears, to catch me from my big falls, and are all cheerleaders for my successes.  I have been educated and had great words of wisdom spoke to me.  Advise and financial support has been welcomed many times. Write now I would like to thank my professor in my college course for being there to support me in my weaknesses by giving me advise of where to get the support I need and to cheering me on in a positive way.

Having a support system and/or support group is essential, as it has assisted me in building my self-esteem and believing in myself so that I can continue to grow and achieve my dreams. With any challenge or just a positive issue or activity or event happening in a person’s life, any support is a valuable asset to have.

As children enter the world they all have dreams and expectations.  I watched the show the “The Blind Side” by John Lee Hancock and Michael Lewis, The Blind Side is a true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.

This is a real life story of how society is. Everything is not a bed of roses.  If this young boy would have not had the support and have someone believe in him he would have not become who he is today.  It is so essential as educators that we be supportive and that we are knowledgeable of who we are teaching so that we can refer support systems to others. In real life there are people and children like Michael that do not have anything in their life and sometimes life turns dark and even death.

After watching this story, I had to really count my blessings and thank everyone who is in my life.  If I do not have support or do not accept the support life can be dark and lonely.  I would lose hope, then depression sets in and life could get dark and dangerous.  I have to say that there are many challenges in my life as well as others.  Sometime I feel that it would be easier to crawl in a cave and never come out, then I think back at all the people and see that I am here for a reason and that as a human being we all need each other for support and life.

I have always tried to put myself in others situation to try to assist them in supporting their need.  One challenge that I have thought of several times in my life is to teach young children in Brazil and/or South America. I would have to have much support from family and friends and have them believe in me and understand my vision of why I wanted to do this adventure. I would not want to be judged and misunderstood.  I like the support as I have explained above with emotional support and great words of wisdom from other educators in the field.  Having the back up and support from these mentors, professionals, friends, and family would allow me during my adventure to communicate in a positive way and that it would encourage a learning experience for all. Having an open mind and allowing to experience this opportunity is what I would need.  I would need much support in learning a second language and there could not be judgment.

If I do not have the support, as scary or disagreeing they may have; I feel that I would fail and stay stagnant in my life. As I write these words I have to listen to myself because I am on the other end of this challenge.  Both my daughter and I have a huge challenge and I already know I do not have support as well as she doesn’t have the support.  I have to take a hard look at how I am going to support this issue.

Support with any issue whether it is positive or negative will benefit the individual, but the supporter, the program, or what ever the system maybe.  There are lessons learned and gained to use in the future.  Relationships are created and a sense of trust and hope will be built and carried on.  I feel that this is very important for our society today. As mentioned earlier, I feel that if I did not have the cheerleaders and support systems in my life I would not be here today.  Big Thank you to all of you! Cannot live without the human race being involved in the solution of life!