My Supports
My every daily support
system is my family – my husband, Jim, our sons, Jake and Zack. Jim supports me in more ways then one. He is my emotional support system; not only
is he my best friend, confidant, and counselor, he encourages and pushes me
everyday to go above and beyond expectations.
Jim provides more support at home than most husbands that I know. He drops our fourteen-year-old off at school every
morning on his way to work and picks him up after school, so that I can work in
another city and travel for work. Since
Jim and Jake get home at least an hour before me, Jim cooks dinner during the
work week. Since he grew up working on a
farm, Jim willingly works around the house fixing anything and everything that
breaks. Jake helps me with chores around
the house. Being fourteen is a trying
time, but Jake still finds time to hang out with me and sometimes even give me
a hug. And Zack, who is across the
ocean, checks in and chats at least once a week.
I cannot imagine a
life without my boys – Jim, Zack, and Jake.
They push me to be the best I can be.
They give me a purpose in life to continue when all is dark and bleak. Without their support, I would not be able to
balance everyday life, work, and school.
I am dependent on
technology to help me during the day. My
cell phone is not used just to make phone calls. Its alarm wakes me every morning (Mondays –
Fridays) at 5:30 am. It is my calendar
and daily reminder. Without it, I would
not remember which district I was going to visit and work with or when I had a
workshop to present. My phone is my gps
getting me from one district to the next safely and in a timely manner. It is my connection to friends and family on
Facebook. Many teachers and
administrators contact me via text to ask questions, clarify information, or
just chat. My work laptop is my primary support
when presenting workshops, providing support and resource information to district
personnel, and working in the office. My
personal laptop allows me to email friends and family, provide support to my
son with homework, access my online courses, and locate and purchase items for
my family and home. Without my
technology (laptops and cell phone), I would be disconnected from friends, family,
and clients. I would be unable to
provide support to the school personnel in our regional area.
After my surgery this
summer, I wondered what it would be like if something had gone awry during the
surgery. One side effect could have been
a disturbance in my thought and speech process.
My coworkers and their knowledge, experience, and passion for special
education would become the primary support system for me and my family. I would possibly need assistance with
everyday conversations and communications.
Visual prompts may need to be readily available for the occasions that I
am unable to process my thoughts and voice my thoughts. Depending on my speech clarity, a low-tech
communication board may be necessary to help me clarify my basic needs and
wants. On the days that my speech was
increasingly challenged, an iPad with communication apps or program may be
necessary to assist during face-to-face conversations with family, friends,
co-workers, and clients. Without assistive
technology devices, low-tech and/or high-tech, my ability to connect with other
and develop relationships would be greatly hindered. Losing the ability to
communicate with others can greatly affect the quality of life, since we are
such social creatures.
 |
| Core Board (low-tech) |
 |
| iPad with Proloquo2Go (high-tech) |
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog and it is great that your husband and kids are your support. I am sure your husband also feels the same way that you are his support. My wife is my unconditional support and I know that I am hers as well. I am glad to hear that everything went well with your surgery and you didn’t have any complications.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It sounds like your husband keeps your world going around. That is great! I too, often wonder if I developed a gradually debilitating medical condition or were involved in a serious car accident that left me disabled. What would happen if I couldn't perform my job? Would I be able to perform my job for at least awhile? What would I do if/when I couldn't perform my job? Would I be able to go out on a "medical discharge" so that I could still have benefits? If not would I be able to find a job that gave me the benefits I needed? Would I have the family help needed to take care of me at home? Who would take care of my son and would my son want to help take care of me? I just can't imagine life that way. We all have bad days but when you think of life like this it puts everything in perspective.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading about how your husband plays such an important part in your families life. That would relieve so much stress if I had the same support. I also wish that I was as productive on my phone as you. Often times its missing or I'm using it to scroll on my various social media sites. I thankful that you did not lose your entire ability to speak. Thanks for sharing and being transparent.
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing about the many support systems that impact your life on a daily basis. It's a blessing to hear how your husband is so supportive of you and your career. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well and making strides in your recovery from your surgery.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. As always great post. Sounds like you have some amazing support.
Wow Donna
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your support system you have within your family. I'm glad you are doing well after your surgery. Your family sounds very loving and concerned about you and your career goals in life. Two is better than one!
Donna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Your blog opened my eyes to the additional supports that I have in my life that I do take for granted or I may be more reliant on then I expected.