Dear you...

Dear you who I miss.

Dear you who I remember.

Dear you who I envision as I write.

 

You were my Grandma.

When I did something (happy or shameful) your arms were there.

Grandma, Mother, Wife, and dear friend, your mere presence a haven.

 

Softly lighting and warming a room with (what my Mum named) your 'secret smile'.

You secretly liked it when Granddad said something soppy. 

Responding with an 'Oh, Ian!' 

 

Ian brought you tea and a song each morning.

Anne, Sue, Bruce, Graeme love and joy. 

So much you gave up your job! Someone had to raise them.

Then it grew to Grandkids. Dan, Bron, Meg, Matt and then family pets Thomas the cat and dogs Dobby, Choo, and Finley. You loved us and were a lifeline for our parents who we drove up the wall.

But, according to the fridge magnet, one of the reasons you have children is so you can have grandchildren, and you spoiled us rotten.  You gave so many fun memories of silly games and songs, books, puzzles, and museum trips and more. Every day with you full of joy for me. 

I was so sad when you left us, I only celebrated Christmas because I remembered that you would have. 

So, I sung and put-up lights where my housemates could enjoy them, thinking of you as I did. Because whatever happens Christ still came into the world knowing he would suffer, die (be separated from his father), and rise again. 

That gives me hope. For you died knowing and believing that you. Because of that we (and other Christians) believe we will get to see each other again because Christ did not come and die for nothing. He died to bring us into God's family.

So, one day I will see you, and Aunty Anne, and Nanna Jo and everyone else who has died knowing and believing in Christ and trusting him, will be as one family.

Now let us rejoice and be glad, even though we mourn, for the shining hope that Christmas brings.

Whatever tomorrow and next year brings let us remember.

"For this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!'

Psalm 118:24 ESV

I miss my Grandma... reader who do you miss? 

 

Dream…

Some are told not to dream. To think and strive for small things.

Small things are good. Big things too.

But we all must dream. To have goals, something to aim for.

So, even if it does not turn into a reality, I will dream.

To buy a place to live with a garden and a dog.

One day a husband to love and support.

Even if my dreams do not become reality,

At least for now,

These are my dreams.

What do you dream?

 

As a support worker in Australia, part of my job is to support people in setting up goals to work towards. This is often broken down into smaller goals. For example, wanting to attend a course in person requires easy access to the classroom. Once completing their course, this person can start to work on the bigger goal of finding employment.

But often, for those with disability, the community is not set up for this to be easy. It should be easier, but it is not. Advocating is hard, and needs support from others and ears to listen, and eyes to see that they are capable and can be an asset as people who come with differences can see things from a different angles, that average person cannot.

If you have a disability, (myself included with mild Cerebral Palsy), dreaming of a job that you want is not always seen in a positive light. You may be told that you need to think small, to go for easier options. This is a shame. It comes from a lack of understanding and willingness to adapt for those who live with extra challenges.

Yes, some jobs cannot be adapted to fit the person. You could not employ a pilot who is blind. But you encourage them to look for a job in the tourism industry. For example, a tour guide who is blind would notice things about a place that others may not. The smells, the feels, the sounds… these are enhanced.  And yes, support may be needed, but who does not need support when they start a new job?

If we employ all kinds of people, with diverse abilities, we can learn and grow more as a community. I have learnt so much by simply listening, discussing, being open to being wrong, and coming up with ideas with all kinds of individuals.

So, go on… I urge you… talk with someone different than you, see the world at a different angle, and help one another to learn and grow.