My Supports

When I think about support I not only think of family, but also friends, co-workers, and technology devices. Support includes both the physical and emotional components.  My family and friends provide me with support by helping me take care of things such as moving into a new home, and a caring heart that keeps me motivated.  My co-workers provide me with support physically by helping me in certain tasks such as bulletin board decorating, and data analysis. They also provide me with a sense of emotional support that is not easily recognized, but rather something I feel as they provide feedback, encouraging words, and suggestions. It is a reminder that my co-workers recognize my goal as a teacher and are helping me to reach those goals. While it may sound funny, technology devices are a huge support in my life. With support being something that helps you each and every day I have come to realize that without computers, cell phones, educational videos, ect I would face many challenges both in the classroom and in my home. Meeting deadlines would me impossible for me without my cell phone reminder. Being without one of these support systems would really impact by ability to complete my daily tasks or remain strong and focused when things get tough.  This past weekend I ran the St. Jude half marathon (the children’s research hospital my brother attended before he lost his battle to cancer). As you can imagine this was a tough run for me both physically as well as emotionally.  Many of my supports were there physically to cheer me on as well in spirit through encouraging signs set up along the way. I think of how difficult this would have been without my supports cheering me on, hugging me as I crossed the finish line and even those that were there as I ran and cried through the hospital campus. I honestly do not think I would have made it across the finish line. Just as my supports helped me cross the finish line at the race, they also help me cross the finish line in many other goals I have set for myself, as well as daily responsibilities I have.

When thinking about a challenge where I would need the support of my family and friends I thought about my life without the ability to see. I love spending time in nature, reading, watching movies, and writing. I think not having the ability to see would really make these activities challenging. I would need my family to support me as I learned new ways to get around on a daily basis, such as them driving for me, learning to read Braille, and use other senses to learn about my environment.  I would also need their encouraging words as I worked through these challenges. I simply can not imagine having such a challenge and not having the support of my family, friends, and co-workers. I would not be able to enjoy many of the activities I currently enjoy without them helping me get around and encourage me as I began to read and journey life in a new way.