We began our day at Florence Crittenton earlier than usual because of a need for babysitters. Instead of arriving at 10:30 a.m., we came to the facility at 8:30 a.m. to babysit four children: two infants and two toddlers. Their names were Nevaeh, Na’Vaeh, Nalaeh, and Eli.
If you think babysitting for only four hours wouldn’t be very difficult, you’re wrong. Also, if you think it would be an easy job with a ratio of seven to four, adults to children, you are wrong again. Maybe I’m just bitter about the toddler, Naleah, who stole all the crayons while I tried to color. All in all, our time with the four kiddos gave me perspective on how difficult being a mom is.
During the Olympics, I remember seeing a TV commercial for Proctor & Gamble, which focused on the job of being a mother. After showing a series of shots of various mother/child duos across the country, these words came up on the screen: “The hardest job in the world is the best job in the world.” This referred to how much work goes into being a good mother and, in turn, getting to see the person you’ve been raising grow up and become who they are.
I don’t think I’ll fully understand this concept until I have children of my own, but I did get to experience a tidbit of what it’s like. I could also see how much the two older children, who were siblings, adored their mother – she was the most important person in their lives.
Near the end of the day, the entire group collaborated to create welcome baskets for incoming residents. This task was a lot more light-hearted and less physically draining, but it allowed us to see and appreciate the little things Florence Crittenton did to make their residents feel at home. Down our small assembly line, we placed maternity books, photo albums, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, nail polish, lip gloss, and other toiletries that had been donated into a small blue basket. We put together almost 40 welcome baskets for incoming residents.
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