My Supports

 If looking forward scares you and looking back hurts you, then look beside you. I will always be there, holding your hand the whole way.
                                                                                                                                 ~ Ash Sweeny

Everyone goes through many challenges in life. I have shared in my blog the wonderful support my mother had given me all through my life. She is definitely my life line. The long running joke within the family is the umbilical cord is still attached. Joking aside, I don't think I would be were I am if it wasn't for her. My mother always believed in me and was always on my side in all  decisions I made. All through elementary school she always made sure to go to meetings, christmas shows, book fairs. When I said I wanted to be a pianist, she went and got me a piano. When that phase ended, I said I wanted to be a doctor, I got every doctor kit imaginable, then I wanted to be a teacher, I got a chalkboard and a small desk placed in my room.  My mother was there with me when I divorced my first husband and helped me with my daughters. They were 8 and 5. Once I made the decision to go back to school my mother jumped at the chance and helped me financially. One night I went to bed and woke up the next day in an ambulance. My life took another turn when the doctor diagnosed me with epilepsy. I suffer gran mal siezures in my sleep and wake up from then not recognizing anyone or where I am. The last one I suffered a heart attack. I gave up. I became afraid and made the decision to quit. After my tantrum, my mother took out the photo album pointing to the pictures of my 8th grade, high school, and college graduation. "After you feel better, look back with a sensible mind and then make a decision." After taking some time off to get adjusted to the medication I went back to school.

Being back in school, I do have moments when I feel defeated and overwhelmed, and yes I have had epileptic episodes, but I know I can turn to my mother when I need help. I know many have beautiful stories about their parents and the support system that they built together,  My mother is mine.  What would I do if I didn't have her support? Well, I know that I wouldn't be in school. I know that having epilepsy would take its toll on me and I don't think I could be the mother I am to my daughters without having my mother as an example.

My Connections to Play

I have many wonderful memories playing. My mother always made sure that my brother and myself enjoyed being little kids. My favorite dolls were Baby Alive and Baby Crissy and Baby Thataway. I can remember playing for hours and hours on end with them. I loved playing "Mommy".  One of my fondest memories was when I went to purchased  the Baby Crissy doll how my mother was more excited than I was. She opened the box and cradled the doll and kept saying how the doll reminded her of me when I was a little baby (fat cheeks and all).

Being sick with chicken pox my mother came home with the spirograph and I enjoyed making so many geometrical designs that I taped all over the house. When I was seven, my mother and aunts taught me how to play jacks. My mother said how much she loved playing with her sisters when they were little in Puerto Rico. After a couple of tries I became an expert!

 Play was supported and encouraged while I growing up.I enjoyed spending time with my toys and playing with my mother and aunts at times. Having the opportunity to enjoy my childhood is one of many things that I am grateful to my family for. Even as an adult I do enjoy playing a game with my own children and now as a preschool teacher.

                                               
                                    Quotes about Play                                      

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.

                -Fred Rogers

Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein