Finally Our Work is Paying Off

In January of 2011 my husband and I decided to take on the responsibility of raising his eight year old nephew.  He is a sweet, bright-eyed, curious boy who can be quite stubborn at times.  At first I didn't understand why.  Then I had to think back to his previous living situation.  As you can imagine this eight-year old was left to make many decisions on his own.  Much like Tara, my character from Breathe for Me, there was very little supervision or positive influence. 


When he first arrived, I was often times met with that deer-in-headlights  stare when I asked him to perform simple tasks such as: brushing his teeth, finishing his food or tying his shoe.  Each request was often followed by a confusing pause as if he were deciding in his mind if he should comply.   


If any of you have a blended family you'll know what I mean when I say that it is truly a test of patience.  Our discipline tactics were often times met with tears and it seemed that things were getting worse.  I'm ashamed to say but I started to question my commitment to this set of circumstances.  We continued to pray with and for him and our whole family.  I had to remember that my kids were adjusting as well and to continue to give to them their own portion of attention and affection. 


Just when we thought we were getting nowhere fast, we both attended a school function called portfolio breakfast at his school.  This is a time when the children can show off their work to their parents.  The program started at 8:15 am and my husband and I went almost begrudgingly.   He read to us all the fun stories he had written and also shared with us the great art work he crafted.   But one piece quickly caught my attention.  The paper was entitled Love is:  


Each page of  the "Love Is" booklet included a short description on what he felt exhibited love.  On page three it read:

Love Is:  When my aunt prays for me and kisses me on the forehead.

I sat there stunned with my heart in my throat. My husband also had his love page that shared with us how his nephew felt about him.  We looked at each other and thought, "Wow all our hard work is finally paying off" .   

So parents whenever you think you're beating your head against the wall,  remember that your words will eventually sink in and this will be revealed when you least expect it.

Take care and continue nurturing your seed.

-Terri Whitmire