The Power of Communication in Making or Breaking Relationships

 The majority of people think that an SLP is all about R's, S's and L's  and a few other sounds, right?  What many don't realize is that improving sounds is just a small part of communication,  

I have always been most passionate about the use of language when it comes to communication.  The "Language" part of the "Speech/Language Pathologist" is divided into three parts:  Form (Syntax), Content (Semantics) and Use (Pragmatics).

Case in Point:  Today is Valentines Day.  We probably all roll our eyes at the pricetags of cute little chocolate shaped hearts and kisses, especially this year with the rise in costs.  

I am nearing the season of life where my nest is empty.  We just married off our 2nd daughter.  The first daughter married in 2018 and has given us two wonderful grandsons.  The 3rd daughter is engaged to be married September 12th and the 4th daughter is a junior in highschool.  The oldest and our one and only son is dating and has been on his own for 8 years now.

It has been a long standing tradition that the children at home wake up to some festive heart-shaped breakfast and goodies surrounding their place at the table - Hubby included.

This year, however, the hubby was up at 2am and off to the office.  He couldn't sleep because of the pile of work that was awaiting him.  The engaged 19 year old didn't want to get up any earlier than necessary to make it to work.  And the 16 year old Junior, eventually made it down, but was so hurried that she was somehow unable to focus on my words and finger pointing indicating that her heart shaped waffles were under the fancy cover already decked out in strawberries and whipped cream.

Instead, she raised her voice at me insisting that the syrup in her hands was HER syrup purchased by HER.  

Then, when my next words were said a bit clipped in their duration, she asked what my problem was.  And I, mistaking her question as a question, attempted to answer it with an explanation as to why I might be a bit wary and hurt in my response after getting up early to make a nice breakfast for her.

Her response that I was now turning everything into a pity party stopped me cold.  I promptly collected my plate - which had been the engaged daughter's plate until I learned she wasn't interested in losing sleep to eat - and left the table - almost making it to my bedroom without a verbal reply.  Unfortunately, I couldn't stop myself. 

"You may have just eaten your last Valentines breakfast made by me.  I hope you enjoy it!" was said with a volume loud enough for the sleeping daughter upstairs to hear as well.

I have reminded myself on several occasions today to be grateful that I once had a season where the children were all anxious to get to the table on holiday mornings and thrilled to spend time with me.  And now, I get to enjoy watching my children share those moments with their children.  I think it's time I called the mother of my grandkids!