The Waiting Area...!!!!

At Potentials, it is such a delight to witness the strangers form bonds that grow from  acquaintances to best of pals.  It can start with a formal greeting, or even the most basic “Hi”. Gradually, this simple ‘Hi’ evolves to a deep sharing. This parental sharing usually begins with brief exchanges about memories of beautiful experiences, or their wards’ skill development and the everyday challenges of raising their kids with special needs. These tentative ties of friendship expand slowly as tiffins are offered, contact numbers are shared, a lift is given one day, and so on.

Days and weeks pass by when one fine morning, our staff peeks out at the waiting area and we realize that therapists realize that the space holds so much more than just waiting parents. It is a space full of joy and anticipation. There is a spark when these parents meet each other.  They delight in the presence of one another.  When these parents laugh about small things, click pictures, munch snacks, and even describe worries, the strong bond that they share each day is beyond any perceptual description.

Observing this waiting area we note that all these mothers (and fathers too!) have created their own group- just like fresh teenagers where the friends are found hanging out on the weekends and setting their lives on ‘relax mode’.  Except this time, the relaxation and’ be-yourself-mode’  is happening in the waiting area during morning hours. The most wonderful part of this special bond is how these mothers encourage each other. Inspired by their own experiences, they keep their motivation to the brim, and most important, they try to mend the loops of their own vision, maintaining determination.

These parents demonstrate the lyrics “you can count on me like 1,2,3 and I will be there…” And it all starts with a simple “Hi”.

This post is a medium to thank them, because it is through their small gestures and positive vibe that each one of us is able to bring our best. You feed the fire in us to work our hardest, you light the fire in us to strive for excellence. 

We honor you.

Thank you!