We hosted 2 siblings of a kid (of ours) in our Home today. The 2 siblings come from 2 other different institutions - of which, one's a closed institution. It was with much difficulty that we got the orphans to come together (due to protocols, rules, regulations).
We had 7 hours to play host. 7 hours to give the siblings a positive experience. 7 hours to leave a deep impact. 7 hours to give the siblings THEIR moment. 7 hours to appeal for the other 2 siblings to want to come to our Home. 7 precious hours to the siblings. 7 VERY precious hours for the Home's staff to observe and advocate.
Everything was planned. The siblings arrived at noon. We planned a tour around the Home then let the siblings have some nice time together in the kid's room. Followed by a nice lunch at some restaurant nearby. By the time lunch was over, 2 hours was over. Went back to the Home and we had some ice breaker games. We debriefed what went on during the games and we went out to the big and tall tree outside for some tree climbing (major highlight!). Ended the day with a BBQ prepared by 3 staff.
I played cheat. I grabbed more than 7 hours of their time. In total, the siblings had 8.5 hours of good time together. It was just a teary moment when my kid asked for a hug & the siblings gladly gave. As my car drove out, it was 'bye' non stop. I wound down the windscreen so that there is no barriers. I made sure I drove slowly so that I could buy more time.
If it weren't emotional for the siblings, it was very emotional for me. I was driving back & I was recollecting my day, giving thanks, did a run through, things that I could better improve, things that I could give myself a pat on my back and my thoughts were stuck at the image of the siblings hugging. Being the driver to separate the siblings was a painful job for me. As I observed the siblings, they appeared NORMAL to me (not like how monstrous reports make them sound). Yes, in that 8.5 hours, they quarreled & argued over the smallest things. I can imagine if they were living together, how rowdy things could have been. But who would in the right frame of mind, separate the 3 of them after they have lost both their parents? I am very saddened.
Being emotional goes both ways. After all that's said, I am on an emotional uproar too!!!! Today was BIG day for the kid. I am very thankful for this opportunity. I am so so glad that the siblings got to meet. I am excited to be part of this process. I felt so privileged to be part of this family's life. I am so heartened to see the siblings' love for one another. I am honestly, beyond words.
Heehee... next to being emotional and all, I am secretly very ecstatic to have experienced tree climbing! Hee!!! (This is the ONLY photo that I can share. The rest are P&C)
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