On Sunday my family and I attended a reunion. The Safari Daycare Reunion.
Safari was run by Ellen, who is truly a wonderful angel. She is the most humble person on earth and all the kids who have come to her the past 20 something years all adore her.
One day, one of Ellen's kids, J, wanted to have a reunion. My son Joshua was the last baby Ellen would care for before she retired. So lovely J worked with her mother, and they established a place for us to gather at Loonfeather Park which overlooks Ford Lake. Very lovely.
The day was cold, yes, and windy but not too cold we needed to put on winter clothes yet. We had brats and hotdogs, and some yummy dishes.
To see all the kids growing up so fast...and Joshua being the "baby" of the gang...it was just so sweet. Everyone was always saying, "Oh my gosh, look how big/tall/skinny/beautiful/(fill in the blank) you've gotten to be!"
Think: field trips, homemade science experiments, playtime outside/inside, crafts, reading time, nap times, snack times....trying out new recipes (their favorite being the volcano which is mashed potatoes with chili or something coming out of it), going nose to nose with bugs, sharing chicken pox together (yes, at one time 4-6 got it same time...), homework time, musical instrument practice, dress up, role playing, talent shows, a funeral or two, hikes at the local nature hiking trials, bike rides...celebrating birthdays and all holidays, making a big deal out of accomplishments. Everyday was a learning experience.
List could go on forever.
Diana came to Safari at 15 months old. Her sister would soon be born after that. Many kids have come through Safari all these years. Some have moved away, some have gotten old enough to fend for themselves at home...but still stay in touch.
Joshua would be the last baby. He left when he started kindergarten.
Ellen shares:
Ellen, we love you and we thank you from the way bottom of our hearts. You continue to amaze me with the gift God's given you. Even to this day, you are still a natural with children to this day. You continue to keep in touch with each children, and continue to go to their concerts and plays and sports events, maybe graduation or two. Before long, there'll be weddings.
Safari was run by Ellen, who is truly a wonderful angel. She is the most humble person on earth and all the kids who have come to her the past 20 something years all adore her.
One day, one of Ellen's kids, J, wanted to have a reunion. My son Joshua was the last baby Ellen would care for before she retired. So lovely J worked with her mother, and they established a place for us to gather at Loonfeather Park which overlooks Ford Lake. Very lovely.
The day was cold, yes, and windy but not too cold we needed to put on winter clothes yet. We had brats and hotdogs, and some yummy dishes.
To see all the kids growing up so fast...and Joshua being the "baby" of the gang...it was just so sweet. Everyone was always saying, "Oh my gosh, look how big/tall/skinny/beautiful/(fill in the blank) you've gotten to be!"
Think: field trips, homemade science experiments, playtime outside/inside, crafts, reading time, nap times, snack times....trying out new recipes (their favorite being the volcano which is mashed potatoes with chili or something coming out of it), going nose to nose with bugs, sharing chicken pox together (yes, at one time 4-6 got it same time...), homework time, musical instrument practice, dress up, role playing, talent shows, a funeral or two, hikes at the local nature hiking trials, bike rides...celebrating birthdays and all holidays, making a big deal out of accomplishments. Everyday was a learning experience.
List could go on forever.
Diana came to Safari at 15 months old. Her sister would soon be born after that. Many kids have come through Safari all these years. Some have moved away, some have gotten old enough to fend for themselves at home...but still stay in touch.
Joshua would be the last baby. He left when he started kindergarten.
Ellen shares:
When I started doing daycare, it was to earn a living, but it turned into creating a life time of relationships with some of the most wonderful people God has ever created!
I had no idea when I held the majority of the babies I took care of, that I would continue to know them until they grew up or until God called them 'home.' There is no greater joy than seeing a little person completely dependent on you (or any adult) grow into someone that can be successfully independent. Part of that joy has been seeing so many of the kids become Christians and to follow God!
Ellen, we love you and we thank you from the way bottom of our hearts. You continue to amaze me with the gift God's given you. Even to this day, you are still a natural with children to this day. You continue to keep in touch with each children, and continue to go to their concerts and plays and sports events, maybe graduation or two. Before long, there'll be weddings.
And to J, thank you for the wonderful time. We'll have to do this again ...next year perhaps?
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