When David came downstairs, ready for church, he sat on a chair to watch television. Pamela walked into the room, and he said, "Good morning, Pamela!" She walked to him, gave him a big hug, and said, "Good morning!"
Later, at church, Pamela was being very static about Steve's traveling schedule next week. He told her he was flying to Atlanta on Thursday, but she was trying to convince him to drive instead. He explained that the flight to Atlanta is short, but it would take eight hours to drive there. She still thought her idea was better. She tapped him on his forehead and said, "Use your brain!" This was pure Pamela because we have never said nor done such a thing to her!
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On Sunday, Pamela typed a short letter with a picture of her and her babies. We wrapped the box and took it to church to meet today's deadline. First, we packed the box. Pamela focused on packing but did pause to make a couple of comments about the glue made in Columbus, Ohio, the Beanie Baby doll not being an animal, and the soft boa. She adjusted to me when I suggested doing the big things first, picking a better spot for the yo-yo, and looking at the musical toothbrush after I shook it.
When we wrapped the present, we kept our roles fluid to create uncertainty. Sometimes, I cut the tape and she placed it on the gift, and, at other times, it was vice versa. After we finished, we talked about what the little girl receiving the present might say and our favorite things in the gift. She was so delightful and really seemed to enjoy putting together the shoe box.
Here are some close-up shots of our box and all of the boxes our church donated.
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Our next big projects are delivering meals on Thanksgiving and putting together an elder basket for Santee tribes in our state (due November 30).
5 comments:
WOW look at all those baskets!! Your church did a great job. I'm surprised Pamela was OK giving up the toys. :]
PS The uncertainty would drive me NUTS! But I guess you do have to practice these situations because you never know.
so awesome! every post is filled with such positive reports these days! :0)
my mom is the regional manager for samaritan's purse here in VA...and she gets to travel to the dominican republic to pass out boxes after Christmas! she's soooo excited!
sharon
I love your way of working on helping her understand and deal with uncertainty. I had never thought of that, but will try it with Jeremiah, on a different age level of course. He too does not like not knowing what's going on.
Mrs. C, this uncertainty thing is very effective. Last week, Pamela let go of the sacred hour (between noon and one), an institution in our home for the past eighteen months! I really think our work with exploring uncertainty has helped her look at not being in control in a new light.
Mama, that would be so cool if your mother had one of our boxes!
Blooming, I am surprised at how more fluid Pamela is becoming now that we are exploring uncertainty with greater mindfulness.
i must get on the stick faster next year! i always forget about this! very neat!! (so you don't HAVE to use a shoebox?? you can buy one of thhose see thru jobbies?)
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