My Supports

In my daily environment I have several different supports to assist me in my daily journey.  From birth to present my parents have always been my biggest supporters.  My mom and dad provide encouragement to me by reminding me of my accomplishments in order to continue my current pursuit.  I am a wife, mother of two, employed full-time and a full time student.  My parents know that my plate is full.  When I am feeling down or wanting to quit they support me by “filling my cup.”  Without my parents support I’m sure it would be tough.  I feel blessed to live within walking distance of them.  I enjoy my daily talks and weekly visits.                                                                              I also have a supportive husband.  He knows how busy I am and reminds me to take breathers when I need to.  He knows what my “stress face” looks like.  He reminds me to take time out for myself.  I am so busy taking care of others that I often forget about myself.  He provides me with a listening ear, especially when I just need to vent about life’s challenges.                                                         I also get support from my friends and co-workers.  From my co-workers they share my stressors and concerns about our job.  It is nice to talk to someone who truly understands and will listen.  My friends outside of work help distract me from those worries.  My friends are there to provide a listening ear and take me out to do fun things.  They remind me to focus on the good things in life.                                                                                                                                                              I feel that if I had to imagine myself with a challenge it would be losing my sight.  I currently wear glasses and am fortunate that I can see.  If I was blind I think I would still rely on the same support systems to assist me through life.  I would have to learn how to use the resources that are available to me as a source of support.  For example: reading braille and a walking stick.   My support system may include resource teachers and individuals who share my disability to discuss goals, accomplishments and challenges.  If I didn’t have supports in my life I wouldn’t know just how important they are in my life or how to be a source of support to others.  Support systems are important in my life and they have helped make me who I am today.