“My Connections to Play”



 

 

 

 

 

     Growing up I had three siblings to play with as well as tones of neighborhood kids to play with.  I remember my summers spent outside on swing sets, blow up pools, bike rides that took us on adventures all over, sandboxes, sprinklers, and of course fort making.  After dinner we would go out and play games of ghost in the graveyard or bloody Mary!  These games would include a wide age range of kids and would include anywhere up to 20 kids.  My aunt gave me her beloved Schwinn bike and I put many more miles on it.  Our adventures would take us through the woods and down to the river or over to a friend’s house to play.  On days that we could not be outside to play I loved to play with my dolls.  My grandma would make clothing and bedding for my dolls.  Dolls of all kinds were my favorite toy as a child.  Play has always been enjoyable for me!  I still enjoy playing today!  Today I enjoy playing and watching my own children play.  I enjoy when we get the opportunity to play and ride bikes as a family. 

     Play has changed in some ways.  When I grew up we had a neighborhood community, all the backyards were open, and we ran through them all as if they were our own.  If you wanted, someone to play with you just went outside and found someone or went to the neighbor’s door and rang the bell.  It seems these days many people have fences or are not home to play.  If you want a friend to play with you have to call and set up a play date! In addition, there is way more entertaining things on TV and video games to suck you in to screen time.   

     In some ways, play is the same.  I love to watch kids get swept up in their imagination and pretend play.  I wish for kids today that they had more time to play that their time was not so scheduled either at home or in school.  I also wish that there were not so many concerns for children to play outside.  These days children cannot go out and play for hours without their parents seeing them.  There are too many concerns about strangers to allow children the opportunity to wander to far from home without an adult.

Relationships

     Relationships are the spice of life.  Relationships are crucial to life.  I have been very blessed with relationships in my life.  First off is our creator God himself.  It goes all the way back to Adam and Eve.  God knew we needed relationships that is why He created Eve. 

     My parents would be the first relationship I had.  If it were not for them, I would not be here today.  They taught me how we need relationships and the importance of having friends and living in a community.  My two sisters and one brother also have taught me a lot and have showed me the power of being a family.  Grandparents who have been involved and supportive through my whole life.

     My school friends that I have met along the way some are still in my life others have I lost contact with but are still grateful for the time they were a part of my life.  My many teachers through the years that have helped me to grow and learn.  They have been role models and inspiration for me.

     My husband who is there for me through everything.  I have been blessed to be married to him for 14 years and to know him for 22 years.  He is the one I laugh with and cry with.  He is there during the good times and the bad times.  We are blessed to have two children that are amazing.  We have grown with them and learn from them.    Life is not always easy but with family and friends by your side, it sure is easier. 

     Relationships take time that is why some people pass through our lives.  When things change in our lives usually relationships to do.  It is easier to keep a relationship going when you have contact with the person.  I do have some friends that I only get to see a couple times a year and when we see each other it is as no time has passed others when a long time has passed it can be difficult to pick up and feel connected with.  Relationships take time to develop and nurture. 

 

 

Thank You

Walden Classmates thanks for a great 8 weeks.  I have learned a lot and have enjoyed reading your posts and discussions.  Thanks again and I wish you the best on your journey. 

 

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided But for the feeling that you cherished them.

-         Richard L. Evans

 

The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children

 

There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots, and the other is wings.

 

Children are great imitators.  So give them something great to imitate.

 

No one would expect a child to learn to ride a bike by showing the child a drawing of a bicycle and by discussing the laws of balance.  The child learns by riding the bike.

-         Lewis