Is it Important Enough to Say So?

 

Jasmine building her decorating her memory
baskets to give to friends.
 

Each day our RAFT is taking shape nicely we have spent the last two weeks focusing on two steps that intertwine effectively. The intentional steps to follow this tour guide's plan has been confronting and challenging but most of all very rewarding. The second piece or step in our raft is "Affirmation" and definitely one of the joys of the transition journey. It is the time taken to express the value of a relationship, the words spoken or written to encourage a gift or talent and the presents to leave a lasting impression on those we love. Affirmation is the step that allows you to scream from the roof top, this relationship is too important to me to just walk away from, you are special to me and I want to make sure you know how my heart feels.



Ethan writing a note
to go inside the memory
basket.

Walking this journey with my children has been enlightening. They are so honest and open about their feelings, if given a listening ear. Affirmation seems to come as second nature for them and certainly has been a highlight of our preparation. We have been preparing what we call "memory baskets" to give to people: handmade, decorated with love and full of yumminess. The baskets are for people who the children want to say "you are my friend and I want you to remember that fact." They have put a lot of thought into this process and the conversation around the craft table has been full of laughter, stories and memory highlights of the person they are making the basket for at that moment.

 

An important part of my personal journey was taking the time
to affirm my relationship with this amazing couple.

I am walking my own personal journey through this piece of the raft, different from my children. Inspired by their passion I too am allowing some creative juices to flow and my heart's expression to be set free in a variety of ways. I have enjoyed giving gifts, writing cards and whispering something special in the midst of a hug.

The third piece of the RAFT fits like a hand in glove to affirmation, stay tuned for more construction efforts in the midst of transition.