I was the child that would frown at the photographers. How dare they treat me like such a, a... CHILD?!? Making silly faces and having puppets annoyed me to no extent. There are many family photos where I had a pout instead of a grin, simply because some ADULT was acting JUVENILE.
Me at my 8th birthday. I WAS happy! See that half-smile? My mom earned that because she WASN'T acting ridiculous!
Me at my 8th birthday. I WAS happy! See that half-smile? My mom earned that because she WASN'T acting ridiculous!I was the child that would clam up when hurt. Yes, I'd be bleeding and bawling, but please! Don't coddle me! I was NOT a baby and did NOT appreciate being cooed over, having injuries called boo-boo's and a kiss NEVER made it feel better. This lovely trait continued on into adulthood. Picture me on the delivery table, whimpering, "Mommmeeee...." (Yes. It's true) only to shove my poor mother away when she hurried to my side. After all, I was NOT a baby! I could do it MYSELF! (Wonder where my daughter gets it from? Look no further than the tree she fell from.)
I was the child that wanted no help. No help! No help! I CAN MANAGE!
I'm seeing a pattern here...
And yet? Sometimes, we all need help. This is a lesson we all claim to understand. Especially when it's someone ELSE needing that help. It's super easy to be the helpER. But when an honest need settles upon your life and takes up residence, the lesson on how to swallow your selfish pride and accept the assistance (with a smile) from those who can and WANT to help you takes on a whole new meaning.
I thank each person who has supported us. I thank each person who IS helping us. It is amazing to me that in the crappy state of our economy there are still so many people who are willing to sacrifice so that we might be more comfortable. I promise to hold this hard-learned lesson near to my heart and continue to help others as you have helped us.
You know who you are and I'll never forget it.
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11 comments:
I know what you mean. It is much easier to be the helpER than the helpEE. But as I have been reminded, it's important to let other people have the opportunity to help out too, especially when it just can't be avoided. It's definitely been a very humbling experience for me and has made me appreciate things even more.
This is such a touching post. It is so true, it's hard to ask for help and it's hard to accept help. But it's wonderful to know there are people there who want to help and support you. You are loved, babe.
Love the birthday pic! Summer is stingy with the smiles too when it comes to picture time. :)
I'm glad you have support from others when you really need it. You are a strong woman, but I know it isn't easy being superwoman all the time. Hang in there!
Just like the song says, "We ALL need somebody to lean on". For sure. I hear ya about the economy. You know, I seriously don't see any improvement for many many months. Hubby and I were just talking yesterday that our business prob won't see an uptick til summer of 2010 (window cleaning - service business)...by the time our customers get back on their feet and start having their windows cleaned often like they used to.
I'm not totally sure we can hang on another year in this state. Things are trimmed down as far as possible. It's rough.
I had to laugh when I saw that pic in your post, lol....before I read any of the post, I thought...WOW! That little girl looks JUST LIKE Tracey, lol. DOH!
it doesn't feel very good for the giver to feel rejected in their giving. you have to take the gift for the transaction o be complete. easier said than done.
first that is a really cute picture of you as a kid totally see your kids in it. Also that turned out to be a very sweet post.
The picture is adorable! I was not a smile for the camera kid either.
That is one serious young lady looking at the camera. And she looks just. like. you.
Such a happy birthday girl.
My Cassie is such a grump in photos. I'm going to remind myself not to act stupid when I'm trying to get her to smile and see if that helps.
I'm glad you are getting help when you need it and love the idea that you will pay it forward it's all part of the experience in these difficult times.
You are doing an amazing thing - the care and schooling of your children!
First off, Corinne looks SO much like you!
I'm totally with you on the being helped thing. I would always rather help than be helped, but sometimes you gotta take it. And no matter how hard it is to take it, it is great to know there are people who care enough to give it.
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