Justin G. Roy

“Fools live to regret their words, wise men to regret their
silence.”
Author, Will Henry

My older sister has two children, who just so happen to be my nieces (ha), who I think the world of.   

These kids are the smartest children I have ever met.  Bar none.  I don’t mean that to offend anybody who has smart children, or plan to have smart children or who plan to have dumb children. 

Perhaps I am biased? 

Madison continues to amaze me every day.  For Valentines Day, she begged her mother to call me because she wanted to say Happy Valentines Day.  She asked over and over for a few minutes, until my sister gave in.  After she wished me a happy day, she then went into telling me other stories about her parents, daycare, and Mia (her young sister).  This girl is a gossip and a tattletale.  After talking with Madison, I spoke with my sister and could hear Madison singing Old McDonald had a farm – apparently on that farm there was an Uncle Justin.  Did not know that until then. 

At daycare, the providers husband asked the provider if she had lost his keys again.  Simple statement.  Later that night, during dinner, Madison told her parents that Robin lost his (insert husbands name here – I forget what it is) keys. 

6 months ago, Madison started knowing when she had to use the Potty.  She would go into the bathroom and hit the toilet.  A couple months ago she was asking to go onto the potty.  So, a Dora the Explorer small toilet seat later, and she was doing her business.  Minimal accidents (liquid) led to a few “undies” changes, but all in all a fast learner.  When I was visiting, after days of no accidents, I think Madison thought she was a dog and I was a fire hydrant.  I like to think she was having so much fun, that she did not want to have to stop to use the bathroom.  I also think I am probably not the best person to leave her with during any sort of serious training phase.

Madison is 2 years old.  I cannot wait until I can see her again.

I’ll post about Mia in the near future.  She has some good stories too.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see
the whole staircase.”
-Unknown Author

I’ve sat on this quote for some time now, mulling it over, trying to knowwhat it means to me.  The answer I came up with, is this quote is comparatively similar to when I tell people I like to throw spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks.

Huh?  You ask?

I enjoy trial by error.  I like to see what sticks and what reactions are.  If I could perform case studies all day, me and my pocket protector would not be happy.  Not to mention my number 2.  Ok, stereotype done.

What I mean, is, I am not somebody who is interested in a two year study to determine of I should do something.  I’m not wasting my time.  Regardless, the data and interviews you collect in the beginning could become useless and lead you down the same path as if you just strategically threw your pasta.

Ahhh, strategically.  Yes.  I am not advocating under-cooking, overcooking, or a timer.  Go with your gut. 

So far, my gut has lead me up stairs that ended abruptly, stairs where there was only one step, and currently up stairs that never seem to have an end (which, of course, I am excited about).  However, I would have never been able to find this endless staircase had I not tried a few others before.

What am I saying?  Open a door without thinking and go with your gut.  Risks are rewarded. 

Like a Choose Your Own Adventure Book; you can always flip back and take a different route.  Those who tell you otherwise, well, go say hello to them on their treadmill.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Erica Foreman from Volunteers of America at Networking For A Cause.  Erica is the Community Relations Coordinator at the Illinois Chapter of Volunteers of America.

Erica is coordinating the 3rd Annual Operation Backpack this year.  If you are not familiar, this fundraiser / event is designed for donations of backpacks and school supplies that will be given to the hundreds of foster children under their care.  Supplies can be dropped off at their office at 47 West Polk Street, Suite 250 in Chicago from July 14 – August 18.

For more information, please feel free to visit their site.  Also, to contact Erica directly: eforeman@voail.org.