When the past meets the future........
Some of us are fortunate enough to have a past that we can look back on fondly. It may be so much like "Leave it to Beaver" or the "Cosby Show," that we don't give much thought to others who may be climbing an uphill battle. In a comment on a past post, it was mentioned that if not for that one mentor in her life, it may have turned out so much different. That had me thinking, because in my own life too, I had people all along the way who were "there" for me when it seemed all was lost. I am not referring to just a friend, for we all have those, but this was when I was growing up in an abusive home environment. My grandma was a source of comfort, as was my aunt. If not for them, I don't know how I would have coped. They provided hope when all I could see was pain. Same for the respondent to my posting. She too had nothing but a memory from the past to keep her looking ahead to a future that seemed bleak. It is now in hindsight that she can see how that hope kept her sane when her whole world was insane. To read more about her story, get "little girl lost...one woman's journey into meth-as seen through the eyes of a little girl." ( by Diane Ganzer Baum www.amazon.com available on Kindle or Kindle for PC) I think about her story a lot, because I know it applies to many people.
How are you a mentor for someone, what can you give to someone who is facing an uphill battle? All it takes is a word, a touch, a hug to let them know that you care. A smile goes a long way and you never may know the outcome, but why should that matter? Lay those seeds of hope everywhere you go. The difference that you make just may save someone's life.
May peace always be with you!
I look forward to your posts because they are so timely. I am in a mentoring situation now through the county of a young girl, she is only 5 and her mom is in rehab from meth use. She has no daddy and because druggie friends are all her mom has, I am that one positive bright spot in her world. She is always so scared and carries a favorite stuffed toy everywhere, because that is all she really has right now. Trust is so hard for her to come by and I know my road is a tough one, but I am determined to make a difference in her life. I have looked up this book you mentioned and have just ordered it. Thank you!
ReplyDeletewhat fascinates me is the people who blame their past on making the future miserable for others...I am talking the bank robbers, the murderers, the drug addicts...I was abused, so deal with it! It is so "in your face!" Grow up and realize that your negativity is what is responsible, YOU are responsible...there comes a time when mommy is not your guardian anymore...think for YOURSELF!To have a positive role model, be it a teacher, a relative, a friend is awesome...even a "hero" on TV...though I am hard pressed to name even one anymore, but when I was growing up, we had Lassie, we had positive music, we had positive leaders in government, now everyone is out for themselves. However, I stand behind what I just said...be responsible for your life!
ReplyDeleteTo Allison, I applaud your efforts at mentoring. Too many folks claim they "have no time," and really all it takes is just a couple of hours per week minimum. We have a program similar to that in my church...and the rewards are well worth it. To have a positive role model-- we have to provide one. I am thinking that these blogs are just that first step, that boost some of us need. I personally fins them to be an oasis in the desert.
ReplyDeletehow can you see someone in need and NOT help? The world today is so "me" oriented....it will catch up to us...wait...it already has :(
ReplyDeleteHoly Moose Antlers!
ReplyDeleteWhat you all say is so true!I do apreciate what you all say, for everyone should say/think/do it, but it's been another long day and bedtime approaches(5 p.m.) (SUKKS!)
Allison Greer - I was put in your situation 20 years ago. I didn't know it at the time, but I was The Bright Spot in a little girls life. Apparently I did enough right things to help this child to become something positive and strong, and not become another lost cause. 20 friggin years later, we hook up again, (VIA the Rev's Blog) by pure chance, and now I think I am pulling this young lady out of her once dark and scary world. (I try my best, {MyFriend} (codename) Allison Greer - DO NOT give up on any child who has been given up on by others, that little stuffed animal in their arms is their world! And so are you! It may take 20 years to come back to you, but MY GOD!! does it make you feel good to have helped a child!! Keep up the good work!
some kids...all they have is a memory, a toy, a face from the past to tackle a very scary future. We are all the village needed to raise that kid!!! Each one of us. Think about it...a lot of kids wind up with drinking/drugs/teenage pregnancies/drop-outs/etc for a reason...they have no one to guide them. To be that special ONE in a child's life is PRICELESS! I am a Big Brother to a 12 year old whose dad is on drugs and in and out of treatment. he has no other male figure in his life...so there it is. and the most joy I've ever had is when he looks at me and says, "thanks."
ReplyDeletethe huge eyes, the scared demeanor, the only thing I had was my stuffed dog that already had one eye missing...and two small bags. This was my life I was four years old. My dad was sent to jail for beating up my mom...who was once again strung out on drugs. So I sent many months bouncing from foster home to a relative's house to another foster home until it was worked out, it took many years. That child is me...I only wish I had someone to be there for me. Foster parents don't really care...they are too involved with their own lives. The other kids there are just as scared and want only to go home. They pick on the weaker ones. I urge one and all...please, just think of the kids before you go and do something stupid. Drugs, drinking, whatever...just think of the kids. thank you
ReplyDeleteI was only five when I was in a foster home. I had this old doll, she had very little hair left because I constantly was holding her and rubbing her head from anxiety at being "abandoned." I remember it like yesterday: kindergarten just after Christmas. Teacher said we could bring a toy for show and tell. Instead of the new book I had received, I thought it better to bring my doll. I proudly showed it and told of how she was with me through thick and thin! Her little dressed was mussed, so I smoothed it out and as I looked into the eyes of those kids, my heart sunk. Several girls rolled their eyes at me and one said, "that doll looks icky, like you got it from the trash or something!" I crumpled, but didn't let it show. Slowly I made my way back to my chair. The rest of the day while everyone else played with their toys, my doll sat alone at my desk. I was ashamed, fro the first time I felt all alone. It was then I realized my life was what it was: I was a loser. Took me a LONG time to realize it wasn't me, but the shallow attitude of those around me, but still.... so you see, reading this just brought back those memories. Kids need a hero in their lives. Never discredit what they have, it may be ALL they have. Thanks for letting me remember.
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