Wednesday, October 26, 2016

What Street in Heaven does Oma live on?

Children make profound statements. They enlighten us with their honesty. They keep us thinking. They catch us off guard:

"What street in heaven does Oma live on?"

This was my 4 year old. Calmly. Confidently. Sincerely. He was asking a great question.

We recently had to say goodbye to our family dog and 10 days later, my husband's Oma passed away; he had to fly half way around the world to be with his family. So, in a short period of time, my kids lose their dog, learn a family member has died, and suddenly their dad is on a plane to be away for a unknown amount of time. Change. Life. Transparent life.

We hid nothing from our children and are doing everything we can to support them through these changes. It's a lot for anyone to take in. It's a lot for parents, too. Combine your need to grieve with supporting your children as they grieve and being present, really - really present, to answer their questions... it can be draining. It is draining.

Through this, I feel like our children are experiencing a great gift: coping with grief. Holding memories. Talking openly. These are such critical life skills for them to develop. As a parent, when a sequence of difficult events are occurring -- I hold onto that: what a blessing it is for our children to develop these skills so young. What a gift it is for us to be trusted to lead them through this journey. What a privilege. They don't know this yet but these life changing last few weeks are carving a new chapter in the story they are writing.... that of life and that of resiliency. Messages which will be forever woven into every coming chapter they write.

Their resilience inspires me. Their honesty humbles me. They make me so grateful.

"There are no streets in heaven. It's where a great people we love gather when they pass to watch over us. We carry our memories and their good values in our hearts; how amazing is that? (Pause) Actually, there are streets in heaven: people we love are in heaven and the street runs from watching over us and goes right into our hearts."

"That makes sense, Mommy."

Until next time.... have a wonderful day. xo

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

A New Approach (?) to Engaging Parent Volunteers

Friendly reminder - if you want to engage parents - motivate and inspire new volunteers - please, please, please do not be condescending or pass judgement. Be grateful for the capacity they are assisting. Focus on building an inclusive community that give members a reason to engage - AND provide a sustainable commitment.

Everyone is aware that parents are continually asked from every school, group or organization their child (or children) are a part of. It can be heartbreaking when you cannot be more involved... please respect that and do not put down others when they are not able to assist. It seems some forget that people cannot be in two or three places at the same time...

I know volunteer roles often "fall on the same people" but I am a firm, sure - possibly naive - believer that it is possible to create a sustainable volunteer base... but, the pillars to doing do include: respect, gratitude, understanding & trust. 

Until next time... have a wonderful day!  xo