Today’s blog comes to you from Judy Pruett, a TOPS service program administrator. 

When you think of support, what is the first thing you think about? 

I think of people helping each other — standing by each other, in good times or bad; working together. 

Support can come in many ways. All of us are supported in so many ways that sometimes, we forget how supported we are. We need to feel support in our life. 

When we are infants, we don’t have to worry — our parents are our biggest supporters. 

Our parents gave us all the Attention we needed, and if they didn’t, we let them know by crying or acting out. 

When we went into school, our support came from classmates and teachers. We wanted to be Accepted and we needed Directions. 

As we grew up, our support sources changed to friends, spouses and fellow employees. Sometimes, we just need some Compassion and Affection.    

We need support — and we need to help friends/family feel supported most of the time, even if we don’t think we do or can offer that support. 

I can’t imagine going through life and not having some sort of support. During COVID, I think we found ourselves needing more support than ever. 

That’s why Zoom became so important in my life. Sometimes, those were the only people I had come in contact with, other than my husband every day. 

Even if they were just in a little box, I knew they were there for me — and I for them. 

On Zoom, we could get our attention, acceptance, affection, compassion, and some direction. 

Think of your life as a flashlight. When the flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. 

When people mess up or find themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? 

Of course not! You help them, by “changing their batteries.” 

Think of it this way. In your life: 

• Some flashlights need AA – Attention and Affection 
• Some need AAA – add Acceptance 
• Some need C – Compassion 
• Some need D – Direction 

And if they still don’t seem to shine, simply sit with them quietly and share your light. 

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller 

Judy Pruett 

Service Program Administrator