I made my first home visit today as a mother. I cannot convey with words how much more saddened I felt after a visit now that I have a child of my own. I became aware again of the many, many things we take for granted and become greedy about, and I immediately felt ashamed of my own selfishness as I stumbled up the snowy pathway to my clients' apartment. I came bearing Christmas gifts for the kids from my company, and a very nice young man who had nothing to do with the family I am working with helped me from my car to the apartment with all the gifts, telling me " you probably shouldn't leave your trunk open like that."
Just because you are in a very impoverished and crime ridden neighboorhood doesn't mean that every person you meet is out to destroy you.
I spoke with the mother who was very articulate and attuned to her children's needs. I will not go into specific details, but I will say this: If you or your child/children have beds, have food, have heat... if you can open the cupboard and find something to eat, a blanket to warm you-- then you are far luckier than so many people. I ask that you think of this during the holiday season and donate either your time or money to help those who so truly need the bare necessities.
Putting Arlo to bed this evening, I was so much more aware of how much he has. Even though our home is heated, we still have a space heater in his room to make sure he is warm. He wears a onesie underneath his PJ's. He has about a gillion toys and will be getting more when Christmas rolls around. So many kids have so much less than my son does.
Again, this winter I encourage everyone to donate time, money, or things to a charity-- there are so many kiddos and families that are in need of something. Thank you for listening to my rant, and I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas.:)
