It’s said that raising a child takes a village. While I think this is true, I also think it’s so much more than that.
Twenty plus years as a parent has taught me an extraordinary number of things, good and bad. One thing that seems to always hold true is the sacred power of the village. Over the years my village has grown, changed and evolved but some of the village have been with me from the start. These are the village elders, I suppose. The ones who can listen without judgment and would jump, almost literally, in front of a bullet for you or your children.
There are so many things that life can throw your way. Some good, some bad, some unexpected. It’s in these times we rely on our village to help us navigate and make decisions and keep us sane, really.
During a conversation with one of my “village elders” recently, we talked about what was going on with our lives and this led us down a path of gratitude. I realized that of all the people I’m blessed to have in my life, each offers something unique. There is a friend or two I can call for car trouble, some I can call for back up with my kids. There is a friend who really I would love to pay to just be my therapist because she has such an amazing and kind perspective that I’ve never found with anyone my insurance will pay for. My husband offers his knack for technology, his recent extensive knowledge of woodworking and a point of view I have never found in another living soul. As the nurse, I’m often the one people reach out to for guidance on when to call doctors and when to walk it off and rub leaves on it. Together, we get through it.
I don’t want to give the impression that this was some vibey stoner session where we played instruments and sang campfire songs. There was passion. I used the word “fuck” frequently. I teared up with emotion at the realization of how much my village means to me. Then I yelled “fuck” some more because I’m not good with emotions.
When it comes down to it, I think the village helps you not only to be a parent, but to be human. Humans as individuals often disgust or annoy me but humanity as a whole never ceases to ignite wonder within me. To the humans in my village, I fucking love you. I appreciate you. You help me be who I am and make me even better, I only hope I have done the same for you. I am grateful for your humor, your support and your cocktails *heart emoji, winky face emoji*
Small note- I’m actually typing the emojis out on purpose because I don’t know how to add them here and after years of texting I don’t know how to write without them. Man, if I could put gifs in here you’d all be in for a treat. I’m well versed in having full conversations using just animated clips on a loop.
Tell me about your village! Share a story of someone who has supported you or made an inappropriate comment to you at a funeral to keep you from losing your mind.