Thanking the Village

My children have been cared for by a team of unparalleled specialists these last few weeks. They have been carpooled, carted, watched, babysat, examined, and loved by more individuals than I ever imagined I would need.

People more educated than I have debated the source of the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” with no clear credit attributed.  Some say it is an African proverb, others claim it comes from a Native American background.  Many think Hillary Clinton brought it into our everyday lexicon, but I argue that it must have been borne out of utter gratitude from an overwhelmed mother somewhere along the lines.

Whatever its genesis, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment.  Two of my three children have come down with a fever virus over the past two weeks, which had me scrambling to care for all of them as I usually do.  After being up most of the night waiting for the medicine to bring down the 104.7 reading on the thermometer, all you want as a mother is to let your child sleep and hope they bounce back soon.  

Whether you are supposed to drive your kids to school, take them shopping for a teacher appreciation gift, bring them to a birthday party, or take them along with you when you go to work, one sick child suddenly makes all of these everyday activities seem like insurmountable obstacles.

It’s weeks like these that I am so grateful to live in a small town full of wonderful families.  I have neighbors who offer to carpool my boys to school.  They even drive my younger son out of their way to his preschool where none of their own children attend.  I have other friends who pick up my kids from school, shuttle them to activities, and walk them to and from school doors in bad weather.  Some friends trade work shifts or just cover for me when needed, and others drop off school work, books or supplies.  

I love having family nearby to help watch the kids and help out when they can, but many times, it’s friends and acquaintances who come to the rescue on a moment’s notice.  We don’t need to share a blood tie to step in and support one another.  Sure, I try to do these things for others when I can, too.  But you can never appreciate the measure of gratitude until you are the one needing the help.

If we didn’t live in this “village” of New Providence, full of caring individuals and families, my children would have missed out on much these past few weeks.  I am so grateful to be a part of such a selfless community.  No wonder our school won a national award for character when our town is of such a high caliber.

Thank you to all of the friends and family members I have leaned on these past few weeks.  I am more grateful than you know.  And I anxiously await the opportunity to give back.