Today I shared a second-hand parenting book with a colleague. The title alone drew me in ... something about being mindful and parenting. The cover was slightly bent. But I kept it visible to remember. Before I passed it to her I flipped through the book to remove any personal items. And what did I find?
Inside was a cropped photograph of a young boy about 11 years of age. I have never seen him before, have never me him. But someone knows him. Someone put his picture into that book.
What a great story that picture told. Some adult carried his picture in their hands as they read that book. Some adult put a reminder of "why" learning is so important. Some adult was motivated by attachment, by love.
So, my learning today? At some level we see the faces of those we love as we struggle to learn more. We carry their image within us. We are motivated to make things better for those to whom we are attached.
Who is the person, or the people, whose mental image (or actual picture) you carry as you learn about how to relate more effectively?
For whom are you the key adult who attaches during the messes of life? To whom are you the rock, the consistent adult who "hangs in there"?
Complex children and youth need others to carry images of them, to hold them in mind, to want to connect even when it is hard, to hope when it seems hopeless.
We are part of a larger group of adults who care for children and youth, who want to foster maturity and comfort during pain. It is an honour to belong to this group!