Today Clara and I went to a birthday party for a little boy down the street, Garrett. He turned the big 02. The party was at a place called It'z, kind of like Chuck E. Cheese on steroids. They had the standard arcade type games and several small amusement park rides.
Hugs for the birthday boy!
We like Garrett's parents and really should spend more time around them. I love the fact that Clara went to this birthday party where she was the only white kid there and still was her charming, loveable self. Everyone was so sweet to her and made us feel very comfortable even though we were the minority. I hope to instill in Clara an acceptance of everyone, no matter how different they are from her. I want her to develop empathy for those who are different and who therefore may feel out of place when they're the minority. I want her to be the one who reaches out to those people, but I realize that in order for her to learn that, Chris and I must step out and put ourselves in situations where she can come in regular contact with those that are different.
That's why I love our neighborhood. I would guess it's about 50% white, so there are all different races around us. I also have started trying to do more things in Spring rather than travel up to The Woodlands. There's not a whole lot of diversity in The Woodlands and I don't want her growing up thinking that's the norm. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with The Woodlands, I just wish it were more diverse. I know of a little 5 year old girl there who was scared of her teacher because she was black. To me that's just really, really sad.
I decided that I want to volunteer and would like to do something that I can bring Clara along with me. I thought that spending time in a nursing home would be a great way to teach her acceptance of people.
So many kids (and adults) are afraid of older people and can't handle entering a nursing home, but we're called to help those that are sick and old and poor. They ain't in the most pleasant environments, so it's going to be uncomfortable at first.
Right now, Clara is at a stage that she loves to hug and shake hands with people. (She got the handshake thing from the greeters at church.) I see how much they love it when she comes to them with her arms wide open and I think she could bring the elderly so much joy just from spending a little time around them. I also think that it won't be too long before she does develop a fear of "different" people, so I think the time is now. I need to call around and see if there's someplace that needs a visitor, if they'll even let me visit with a child this young. I figure that I'll need to start out slowly, very short visits, probably with residents that are more self-sufficient and "healthy" and work our way up to the ones that are a little more scary, like those with wheelchairs and walkers and such.
So what does everyone think? Is it too much to expect from a little one? If so, when does it become easier?
5 comments:
I think that's a wonderful idea, Kelsey. My mom regularly took my brother and I to nursing homes when we were young to visit. I grew up loving visiting the elderly. Clara will definitely benefit!
:) Amy
Kelsey, it's a wonderful thing to do! My friend from Newberg (Chris will remember her), Gloria, was such a good example of this. She was always taking her two children to the care homes to visit.
She always went with a particular person in mind to visit - usually someone from church - and took along a little decorated bag of homemade cookies or something for the kids to give them. But walking into an assisted living facility with children (or a child) will attract the attention of others who need visits, as well. So a visit to a certain person usually grew into a visit with several.
I'd really encourage you to try this. If it works out for you, it will be a blessing in your life, Clara's life and the elderly peoples' lives.
Great idea Kelsey. I think your little Clara would be such a bright spot to all involved - including the nurses. We took communion to shut ins and that was the highlight of their week. It didn't take much of our time, but meant the world to them. Enjoying your blog! Auntie Jacki
Thanks guys, I think I'll go for it.
And hi Aunt Jacki! It's always nice to get a comment from someone new. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your little Clara is doing well.
Kelsey: I love your idea of having Clara visit the elderly. Living in a community where the elderly are the most common resident, I see this sort of thing every day, and find that those people have grand children that they never get to see, and would love to be able to see a darling little girl, and to feel special because she came to see them.
Good work.....I love you...Nanny
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