You ever heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child? I propose that that village is not just for the child but for the ones responsible for rearing that child.

Yesterday my oldest son’s godmother offered to take him AND his brother. Dad and I were worn thin! lol. I’m a boy mom so I can only speak from a place where I have experience. Little boys have A LOT of energy. They are “on” from the time they open their little eyes until they are tucked in sleeping peacefully.

All things considered I count my blessings everyday for my babies. They are active and vibrant, not tethered to a machine depending on it for life, they are hitting developmental milestones and thriving. This is not about boasting for me because I realize that in a moment this could all change. If it’s one thing 2020 taught me, it is that my family is not exempt from ANYTHING. We are not as in control of our lives as we think we are. Although I am often exhausted and question if I am doing a good job as a mom, I realize that I am blessed.

I’m able to be the parent I am because of those that so freely give to my family. My son’s godmother had no idea how much of a blessing taking my boys for a few hours was to my husband and me. We could have used the time to clean and knock out some household task we had been putting off (that laundry by my bed STILL needs to be folded!) Instead we went to our favorite crab leg spot in Richmond and came back and just enjoyed each other’s company. We were able to get through grocery shopping without having to keep 2 little ones entertained the whole time. Yall!!! We were later able to eat Sweet Frog AND Chick Fil A IN PEACE!

Although small things they played a huge role in helping us replenish and restore the energy we’d need for the start of a new week. I think about how western societies are not as collectivistic as those in other parts of the world. We don’t have as strong of a sense of community here. I don’t know that we always have a village like mentality and that leaves many of us feeling alone, not supported, and like we are left to figure things out on our own.

If you are an auntie (not limited to biology), uncle, friend, godparent or any form of support and you help to relieve the parents in your lives from time to time I’d like to say on behalf of parents everywhere THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being apart of our village.

For those that are like me and can count on one hand how many people you trust your children with..I get it. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, as you grow comfortable don’t be afraid to grant yourself the gift of support.