Reflections of Appreciation for our First Volunteer

In March I wrote about A Mama and her daughter coming over to our house for a play date.  In summary, Remy was interested in pushing A Mama's daughter during their stay that Little M (the daughter) cried and got upset that a larger boy would want to push her.  Remy also bit A Mama during their first time playing together.  I wasn't expecting that A Mama would come back after that.  Of course, I hoped that she would :)

The following week, I received and email from her saying that she couldn't make it that week, but offered to come the week after.  She's been coming in every week (except 3 occasions due to illness or allergy)!

Although A Mama's volunteering is supposed to be for respite (since she's only able to do 2 hours per week, and only for a period of three months), I've been able to share a lot of Son-Rise principles with her.  She's watched the DVDs and now is reading Happiness is  Choice.  Her volunteering has helped bring inspiration into the Play Room.

Here's a list of the top 10 things I'm grateful for:

1.  Remy playing with someone (other than Mommy) he likes in his room.  Every time he sees her arrive, he immediately takes her bag off, makes her take off her jacket and tugs her to pick him up.  He's also taken her into his Play Room and shut the door on me.  I am grateful for the excitement and joy that A Mama has brought to Remy every volunteer day.

2.  The opportunity to share what I've learned about Son-Rise Program.  This has been my chance to teach and instruct others in the Play Room, share feedback, take notes, etc.

3.  The opportunity to make fermented vegetables and raw crackers/breads.

4.  The opportunity to make some phone calls if needed, pay bills, etc.

5.  She brings up questions that I might not have thought about.

6.  She brings up worthwhile suggestions that I might not have thought about.

7.  Talking to someone else who genuinely cares about the progress and happiness of my child.

8.  A relief from running around in the Play Room, and stepping back to watch someone else play.

9.  A chance to clean up.

10.  A chance to sit down for five minutes to just rest my eyes.

 Here's A Mama in the Play Room with Remy

...and here's me cleaning...

A Mama, thank you so much for your reliable, gentle and fun-filled volunteer time with us.  We appreciate your attitude, your smile, your energy and friendship.  We look forward to seeing you again next week.