Relationship Reflection

          Partnerships and relationships are very important to me. I have many relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and casual acquaintances. Currently, I am engaged in two partnerships, but before I elaborate on them, let me clarify how I distinguish between the two. I form relationships with individuals through opportunities or situations that connect us together. I tend to cling to relationships that inspire me to become a better person and those that allow me to help others in need. Partnerships, for me, are of a more intimate nature. I perceive it as two or more individuals working together towards a common goal or purpose. Relationships are important to me, however, with the understanding that they come and go. Partnerships are cultivated over a period of time and are broken only by death; death of a business, emotion, or person.

I have many relationships, some I will group together such as my children I have six (five are adults). The five of them are in my relationship category because though we all get along wonderfully; our goals are no longer the same. They are doing well establishing and developing their homes with their spouses and children. I am so proud of all of them. Some morals, standards, and values they learned during childhood transferred on to their children and some did not; I can appreciate that. Then there is Ollie, whom I consider a very good friend, we do not always see eye-to-eye on things but we can always trust each other to tell the truth even when we know it is going to hurt. Kumbi is my faithful co-worker and prayer partner. Though we each have specific duties on the job; we work together to get the job done even if it means helping the other with their tasks. We laugh, we talk, we pray. Casual acquaintances are parents that support the childcare facility I own and operate. I enjoy getting to know them, their children, the adventures, and the challenges we face daily.

The two partnerships I mentioned earlier are 1) me and my heavenly Father, and 2) me and my 12yr old daughter. In both partnerships, we are working together to fulfill a common goal/purpose. Yes, we face many hindrances and obstacles along the way, but never to the extent of separation. When we fall out with one another, we are quick to make amends. No matter what happened during the day we never fail to let one another know how much the other is loved and appreciated and we continue the journey towards reaching our ultimate destination.

            In building extended relationships and maintaining successful partnerships, the greatest lesson I have learned is-you can have neither without the ability to communicate effectively. Any relationship can develop into a partnership when two or more began working together towards a specific goal or purpose. Likewise, partnerships are broken when the vision, goal, or purpose is lost and all involved begin to establish personal agendas independent of others.

            Effective programs and practices has helped to expand my knowledge and awareness of the importance of building positive relationships with the children I serve and the benefits of partnering with caregivers to provide every child with the quality of life they deserve.