It Takes A Village.

It takes a village to raise a child, the old adage state.  It takes a village to support a mommy, I add.

It takes a village to throw showers, fill closets, knit blankets.  It takes a village to buy swings, deliver packages, and send cards.  It takes a village to weight and measure, to deliver and monitor after birth.  It takes a village to form playdates, soothe at church, and educate in schools.  It takes a village to cheer at sporting events,  wrap Christmas gifts, and photograph prom.  It takes a village to listen with, cry over, and hug during the hurts.  It takes a village to foster esteem, to shepherd in discipline, to share Jesus' love.  It takes a village to raise a child.

However, it also takes a village to raise a mommy.  It takes a village to freeze-make mac and cheese, buy books for the shelf, and to tend to all the fears.  It takes a village to FaceTime baby to sleep, calm the colic cries, to breathe a sigh of relief.  It takes a village to clean the house, fold the laundry, and deliver all the meals.  It takes a village to rock the child, buy the diapers, and find a cloth that's clean.  It takes a village to stroll the streets, to share the woos, to rejoice over every little thing.  It takes a village to calm, to quiet, to still the mommy who needs friendship and encouragement each week.  It takes a village to raise a mommy.

Thank you to my village: to Kelly, Rachel, Aunt Beth, Aunt Ruth, Amy, and the many friends and WLT who encourage, guide, listen, provide, and walk with me these new days.  Much love.