MY SUPPORTS

A Support can be defined as:

• Something that sustains you.
• Something that holds you up.
• A person that has your back and is always there for you.
• Something that offers assistance.
• Something that will serve as a foundation.
• Something that will sustain or withstand pressure.

In my daily environment I have many supports.  Foremost, is God, who is my Creator and Helper in times of need.   When I look at the definitions above, I can state without hesitation that He fits each one perfectly.

 

My mother is also a great support in my every day life, as she assists me most ably with my daughter.  Her sacrificial nature and giving spirit, enables me as a single mother to accomplish all I need to do in any given day, also with the knowledge that my child is being nurtured and cared for.   It is a reciprocal relationship as I benefit from her support, and she welcomes the fact that although she is retired she is an integral part of our family structure who is needed and loved.   If my mother was not around, my child would spend extended periods in aftercare facilities which could be detrimental to her development as the values and attitudes that I want to instill in her would not necessarily be reflected in these facilities.

In my work environment, I perform in conjunction with my co-workers and we all depend on the expertise of each other.  My job cannot be accomplished single-handedly, and their strengths assist my weaknesses.  When we all collaborate the output is much better and the work gets done much faster.  However, if one person were to attempt to complete a project by themselves, it would mean that they would have to do a lot of research and it would involve a lot of time and effort, without the expertise of others.

If I were paralysed from my waist down, my life would be changed dramatically.  The first support that I would require is a wheelchair and in the initial stages physiotherapy would be a must as I would not have the necessary upper body strength or know how to operate the wheelchair.    The medical community, including doctors, specialists and physiotherapists would have to come to my aid.   The house that I live in would have to be altered with ramp access  and wheelchair accessibility.   

The structure of my household would change as I would require assistance with my daughter and retired mother and their daily routines.   My work environment would change and I would have to possibly work from home.    My friends and family would play an integral role in being supportive and assisting in any way possible.   Without these supports, life would be difficult and physically, mentally and emotionally draining to me, as I would feel overwhelmed.

Never worry about numbers.  Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.  ~Mother Teresa

I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.  ~William Penn