Before having kids I knew friends were important but it wasn’t until after having kids that I TRULY cherished friendships. I cherish the ones who stuck around, the ones who understood when things got crazy, and the new ones I made along the way. Ever since Bug was born I leaned into my village. My village included both my family and my friends, after all, it was my best friend who convinced me I need to get help for postpartum depression. It was my mom who stayed for a month while Joey had to leave right after she was born. It was my sister-in-law and mother in- law who took turns staying with me while I adjusted back to work. I have an amazing village that help me raise my children.
However, I’m here to tell you a diverse village reaches farther than just helping you raise your kids. Your village raises your kids, you, and your marriage. I know this because it’s what mine does for me.
This post is for all of you. All of the friends that have taken the time to reach out to me after kids. The friends that give me grace when I don’t text back. The friends that ground me and tell me to talk about something other than my kids while we’re out. The ones that let me talk about nothing but my kids. The ones that watch my kids so I can get “me- time”. The ones that watch my kids so Joey and I can have us time. The friends who encourage my marriage. The family that refuses to let our family suffer in any way. This is for you.
For my parents who support me and still worry about me daily.
For my friends before kids who remind me where I came from.
For my single friends who keep me grounded and remind me there is a life outside of kids.
For my older friends who shed their wisdom on me and mentor me.
For my married without kids friends who love my kids like their own.
For my family and friends who take my kids last minute for ANY reason at all.
For my mom friends who let me know I’m not alone.
For my husband’s friends who encourage him as a man and husband.
For my teacher friends who help focus me on my career and where it’s going.
For my military spouse friends who understand this life.
For my family that raises the bar for what being family means.
For my friends who are family.
You help me grow. You help lift me up as mom, wife, and woman. You are a part of the reason why my girls are growing up beautifully. You are a part of the reason that my marriage is flourishing. You are all so different yet so necessary. God did not make us the same he made us very different. He gave us very different lives to lead. It is because of those different lives that we learn from each other. We thrive in our own life because we are surrounded by so many different people with very different stories. Don’t be afraid to expand your village. Fill it with diversity.
And for all of those that are a part of my village, I thank you for sharing with me the blessings the Lord gives you. I hope you know when I pray, I thank the Lord for your presence in my village and pray nothing but blessings over your beautiful souls
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