Recently, as many of you know, I have taken on the enormous yet honorable role of raising three adorable children who’s parents have passed on. I thought I would be in for the hardest time when I found out that no one had been setting boundaries, teaching them how to take care of their bodies or their home. I thought that life would be sad, difficult in that nothing would be as it appears. There would be outbursts, anger fits, and tears. I was wrong. Kids are more resilient than people give them credit.
These three are no different. In the coming months I hope to introduce you to each of their unique personalities. I hope to show you through their stories how trials and joy bubble up without permission. I hope that you, as I have will fall in love with them, want to fight for them, and ultimately join me in encouraging these kids. They need a cheerleader, and a parent who loves them as they do their own. That’s me.
I wonder if you’ll be interested in learning about all the firsts? You see, people think about the emotions of the loss, but what they forget is that life for all the wonderfulness of not knowing what is about to happen is all about moving on. The first birthday without either of their parents. The first time they plan for their future without their parents. It’s about the moments that come and go and will ever be shared with mom or dad. Even something incredibly joyful and to see that bright face turn around and exclaim how much they want to share it with– and then there’s the realization that that person isn’t around anymore.
As they become their own individual souls who embrace their special talents, the path to success begins to reveal itself. Learning to love, and to give thanks to those who support them is making these kids into powerful beings. They’re more than just victims and then survivors. These kids are amazing beautiful children who are happy more than 90 percent of their day. They’re hopeful. They’re productive. It’s a full-on-board all hands on deck inclusive and enthusiastic approach to teaching, guiding and molding behaviors.
Reba Nietert 