When I think of my supports I think first of my faith in God. His Word calms me, guides me, and encourages me. And through my faith I have connected with friends who pray for me for whatever needs or concerns I might share with them. My faith is my life compass so without that I would be lost.
My husband supports me in prayer, also; but, he is also my daily sounding board and encourager. Through him I have someone who loves me and is my companion on life's journey. The journey would be much harder and lonely without him. Without his support, I also would need a better paying job and would move because I would not be able to take care of our home by myself. He travels a lot but we talk everyday so we stay involved in each other's lives, therefore another support I have would be my phone.
My dog, Abby, supports me with her unconditional love and companionship. My days would be quite empty without her.
We live in the country so my car is a support I need since there is nothing in walking distance. It gets me to work, shopping, visiting.
Currently, my computer is a support. It connects me with Walden, my studies, classmates, and support team. On site studies was not an option I considered so I wouldn't be pursuing my Master's if I could not do it on line.
Physically, I am grateful for my health so that I can get around without assistance. I do need glasses, however, and would not be able to see a foot in front of me if I didn't have my contacts in or glasses on!
I imagined the challenge of being deaf and how that would affect me. I don't need to hear physically to "hear" from God so my prayer life would not be affected - actually, probably more focused since I would not be distracted by noise. I would want to learn to sign so I could communicate - my husband would have to learn to sign, too. A big change would be our daily phone calls. I would have to get a special system phone for hearing impaired. I would use my computer even more to e mail and would text. Technology would definitely be a lifeline. I would use closed captioning on t.v. I would not be able to teach where I do since most of our children do not sign. My network of social support would probably change to include others who sign as their primary means of communication. If I continued working, I would want to work with children who are hearing impaired. My network of support would then change as I entered a new job environment.
Clearly, as someone's physical status changes their daily supports change drastically.
Dear Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the support you have from your faith. I think my faith supports me through my hard times and my good times. We instill religious values in our children by modeling our faith and taking them to church. I think with all the pressures in the world, the intimidations and the stressors of school, kids need an alternate outlet that is safe and valuable.
I agree, Maggie. I teach at a Christian preschool so we are able to pray with the children and impart God's teachings on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteNice!
DeleteSuzie,
ReplyDeleteYou are so wise to put God first in your life. He has also been my comfort and my guide and without him, I would not exist fully. It is always a pleasure to have a conversation with someone who identifies God as the head of their life. I too see life’s a journey in which many people are a part of. I am glad you have a husband for support, that's great. With technology as such a great part of our lives now, we need computers-with internet, phones and many other devices to aide in our daily supports.
Hello Suzie:
ReplyDeleteThis week while reading everyone's blogs about our supports I realized that we give many our support systems for granted. We do not stop and think what would I do If I did not have a phone, an automobile, a computer a family and friends. The emotional support that we receive from the people that day to day listen to us and care about is the most important thing we have. We have all things because God. He provides us with the people that surrounds us and the spiritual and emotional tools to continue our journey
Marta, I echo your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI realized this week that I also take for granted so much. While God is always first in my thoughts and I have a running dialog with him all the time, I am forgetting to spend quiet quality time with Him. I also need to do the same with the other supports in my life. Cherishing those supports is so important -- and letting them know!
In undergrad I worked one semester experiencing the school lives of deaf/blind children. You are correct that the most prevalent factor is your ability to communicate with others.
Thank you for your thoughts!
God is almighty and provides us with our everyday strength to strive through daily tasks. We need close family support as well. I agree what would we do without transportation, computers, and other technology they we depend on to communicate with family and friends who are miles away.
ReplyDelete