MKE Week 8 – Chipmunk

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Category:  Week Eight

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Thinking this is too hard to express my feelings in blogs I was doing the “too tired” excuse.

Today, I realized that “helping others” just happened as I spoke with my friend of 20+ years (service lady, Mom of 3, wife, and shop owner). She is juggling taking care of owning a business and taking care of a family.

She began to cry as she explained that she had many texts from her high school Senior daughter’s teachers expressing that the daughter is failing all her classes by not turning in her assignments that are done online. Her daughter is an intelligent (ACT score 35) ADHD student. She has a hard time following through with tasks because she is easily distracted.

Mom began to cry. I felt her distress. She tells me she gets home at 9:00 P.M. every night, cooks supper, and helps the elementary school son get ready for bed. The finding of grades takes 4 different websites to negotiate to see the daughter’s grades. She doesn’t have the time.

My brain screams “Hannel, Emerson, and MKE. My “hole” opens and I say, “You are the most creative person I know. I have heard you tell me about your good relationships with your children and your husband. You mentioned when she was diagnosed with ADHD several years ago that she wanted to do what you do and loves you.

She still loves you and you are probably still her best friend. You need to “Love her to death”. Stop giving her negative opinions. Give no opinions! You find an action that she is doing like wiping off the counters and tell her how much it means to you. Tell her you love her!

No negative shrugs, facial expressions, or negative opinions! Just love her! Keep reading your Bible every day! Write down 3 gratitude sentences every day. She will come around but it may take a while. You have to let her fail but still keep loving her and compliment all your children and your husband.

My husband and I are doing it and it has changed our lives. Let me give you a hug.” I hugged her and told her I loved her. She thanked me and told me she needed that and she loved me too.

Sitting in my rocking chair on my covered porch writing this, I spot a boisterous chipmunk with a large acorn in his chubby cheeks skittering across the patio to stop, gaze surprised at me and scamper down the steps. I chuckle! Thank you God!

Meet Joan Strickland

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  • Hi Joan,

    Your recent experience with your friend beautifully showcases your compassionate and nurturing nature. Your ability to empathize and offer thoughtful advice reflects the depth of your caring personality. The way you connected the teachings of Hannel, Emerson, and MKE in that moment of distress reveals your intuitive and analytical mindset.

    Your advice to your friend, encouraging her to focus on positive reinforcement and unconditional love, demonstrates your respectfulness and deliberate approach to relationships. The hug and expression of love at the end are a testament to your sincere and quality-oriented interactions.

    And the image of the chipmunk on your porch adds a delightful touch to your story, a symbol of the unexpected joys that come when we share love and kindness. Your blog is a testament to the impact of genuine connections and the power of compassion.

    Keep spreading positivity, Joan! Your words are inspiring, and I look forward to reading more about your journey.

    Michael

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