What are my supports? Let me count the ways. My supports come in various shapes, sizes, and personalities. The first is a giant in my estimation. Not because he stands at 6’ 2”, but because he is generous to a fault, strives to see the positive in people, and very gently keeps me on the straight and narrow path to success. He is my loving husband, LaMar.
The second and not far distance from the first is my sister Linda and her husband Tom. There is not anything they would do to make my life easier. They are my cheerleaders as they resound to encourage me and help me to feel good about myself. They truly are the “salt of the earth”.
Third and close behind the second are the rest of my six sisters who assuredly are stalwart and are supportive by just being there. I know that if need be and without hesitation, they would come to my defense.
Then there is my wise and kind mentor, Jana. I know that I can ask her anything and she will tell me how it really is and will be there to support and help me by sharing not only her wisdom but creative ideas for the classroom, and anything that will help me be a better teacher for my students. She views her success by lifting all around her to the highest ground.
I shudder to think about life without those supports. They provide the very ingredients that overtime have created savor in my life. In fact, I refuse to think of life without them. I will not say that I cannot live without them for life always goes on, but I would not want to do so. They are my examples of the many characteristics that I am striving to cultivate in my life. They assist me in my life’s work and striving as I trek to the top of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” to self-actualization”.
My imaginary life challenge would be contracting a debilitating and fatal disease. Heaven forbid such a challenge, because I still have many goals and life work to fulfill. This is a difficult assignment, as it really scares me. However, here it goes. My many supports would include those that I spoke of in my beginning remarks. I would add physicians, health care professionals and those who would not only give me hope, but would not give up on me until my earthly end. Faith, hope and charity would be those inner feelings and actions from me and my supports that would see all through in such a situation.
Life would be null without such supports. There would be no reason to fight for or have a reason to continue on in life. Without genuine supports one might as well not exist.
Ok, now it is time to end such melodrama, and proceed on a happy and more positive note. I am thankful for and hope that I will never lose sight of the importance that each individual adds to my life. They mean so much to me, and I hope I may add to their life even a small repayment that will bring joy and happiness to them.
