Thursday, March 11, 2004

Support for New Beginnings

This was a big week for five year old Gia. It was time to move on from her Montessori experience. It was time to move into a new space of expression and learning. It was time to start her “big girl school”.

Complete and having mastered several challenges with her teacher and resultant “no choice” experiences within certain settings, Gia had ceased enjoying going to school. We watched and listened and heard whe was complete. We responded with what would be best for all concerned. And when it was discerned and agreed by all the grownups and Gia, she began this week. Wow!

Can you imagine what it feels like to be supported by you Papa, your Grandma and Grandpa? All there with you on your first day, meeting all the teachers, sitting in the classrooms, walking around the school, buying your own snack and talking with your new friends. Yes, all of us came together to share in the experience. We all learned to feel safe and at home. We all helped in the inclusion. It takes a village, or at least a family, to successfully raise a child.

How would your life be different if you had the support of your family and friends when you need to make a change. How would it be if people who loved you took at active interest in your new Doctor, your new job, your new home, your life changes? How would you feel if people who know you the best and love you the most were with you when you went off to some new adventure, especially when you are anxious and uncertain? How would you respond if others were so genuinely caring that they took time off work , asked questions and spent time listening to your concerns? How would it feel if someone special bought you an ice cream cone and took you out to dinner after you special day?

Can you love others this much in their new beginnings?
Can you love yourself enough to include others in your new beginnings?
And when you are alone in a new place, can you give yourself the special listening and care you would give a little child?

We all deserve to hold hands together when we are doing something new and unfamiliar.
Thanks for remembering to love and give your very best.

Loving you,
Betty Lue

P.S.
Can you believe the morning school called Gia’s Dad on the second day to let him know she was having a GREAT day? This is what sharing and caring yields.