Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Adults Are Never Too Old For Baby Steps

Beth did a great job today. She started with some shredding in the office, then went out to play with the kids at the first and second grade recess. This will be her plan for volunteering, helping in the office then going out to help at recess. She was pretty shy and quiet but it was a completely new environment, so I'm hoping she will warm up after a few weeks.
 

This was the email I received from Beth's job coach on Tuesday. Beth told us that she 'worked in the office, then went  out with the kids to make sure they didn't play on the grass.' I'm guessing the grass was wet. This is Seattle after all. :)

So, she's not a teacher's assistant just yet, but baby steps are okay too! Isn't it funny how your family members approach life differently?

In our house, Sharaya was a 'cannonball into the deep end' kind of kid. The highest and fastest roller coaster. The most daring activity she could find. Diana would watch her and once she saw Sharaya was okay, she'd jump in too. Or climb aboard the coaster.

Beth however, would gingerly walk over to the stairs of the pool and stand on the first step until her feet got used to the water. She'd hold their drinks while they went on the roller coaster. She just lives life using baby steps. I do too. I'd be standing next to her, holding their purses.

14 comments:

Caz said...

Really good news that Beth's first day went well, and a really lovely powerful image of you and Beth standing together, watching.

Jess said...

Cute post. It looks like she got a volunteering job? That is exciting!

Ciena is slow in trying new things sometimes - actually a lot of the time. But, if I make her participate in, say, running through the sprinklers, she has a grand time! I think she used to be a bit more outgoing than she seems to be now.

Becca said...

So exciting!! I bet Beth warms up quickly, and LOVES it, and that they'll love her, too! Can't wait to hear more. :-) So is the job coach there all the time? Will the coach eventually drop off once Beth is in full-swing of things?

Becca said...
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Deborah said...

I love that you and Beth have a similar way of warming up to things. And it's great to hear that she's started the job - I hope she enjoys it. :)

Mandy Pritchett said...

Congratulations on your new job Beth!!! I'm sure you'll be amazing - you're so passionate about teaching kids that I know you'll be a great teacher's assistant!!

My Little Wonders said...

Congratulations Beth on your job! :) And, I love the header photo.

Becky said...

Isn't life about baby steps too? Learning and change are not easy for many of us. I think this is so exciting for Beth. I cannot wait to hear more!

Unknown said...

I am so glad to hear that her first day went well. I am a "baby steps" person too and I'm OK with that. My kiddo on the other hand is just like his father and your Sharaya--going head first without a thought!

I think Beth will love her work once she gets a good handle on it.

Laura said...

Congrats to Beth!!!!

Unknown said...

I will be thinking of her and praying for her on this new adventure.

JC said...

Good for Beth! So glad her first day went well...I can't wait to hear more as she goes along :)

Kristin said...

Sounds like a great opportunity. Way to go Beth!!

Unknown said...

Yeah! Sounds like a great first day...I am not sure that is an easy job keeping kids off the fun wet grass! Way go girl! Smiles