I’ve often heard the quote, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But lately I’ve realized that it also takes a village to support a mother. And as a mother who has needed that support recently, I sure feel blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible village.
Similar to a few weeks ago when we came home to the most wonderful surprise of Christmas lights on our home, tonight is a night I never want to forget. I’m going to bed with my hurt nearly bursting with love and goodness for the support of those around me.
My dear friend texted me this weekend and asked if I would be home on Monday night at 7:30. I told her I would, and that was the end of the conversation. I’ve learned not to ask too many questions these days. Tonight we went as a family to dinner at Chili’s and then to see Christmas lights – it’s a random but fun tradition we’ve done since the first year we were married, and we’ve loved continuing it with the kids, especially now that they’re getting to the age where they enjoy seeing all the lights as well. We arrived home a few minutes before 7:30 and then started our nightly routine of putting the babies to bed.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Remembering my friend’s text, I went to answer. Nothing could have prepared my mama heart for what I was about to experience.
As I opened the door, I saw that our front lawn was covered in wonderful women from my neighborhood, singing one of my favorite songs about sisterhood to the accompaniment of a talented violinist. Then my friend who had texted me to ensure we were home wrapped me in a quilt that had been a collective effort of all the women there – and then some. My goodness – I’ve certainly learned over the last few weeks that my heart is capable of feeling intensely deep and powerful emotions, and tonight was no exception. But unlike the last few weeks, tonight it was in all the most wonderful ways.
Even though it was a chilly 30-something degrees tonight, as I stood outside with my neighbors and friends—my sisters—I didn’t notice it one bit. Their goodness encircled me and their love warmed me. There was something sacred about having these women at my home, sharing with me a piece of their hearts through this incredible quilt. It was holy as I heard how all these women came together to create this incredible masterpiece, and I wish I’d been able to find the words in that moment to properly thank them all for their goodness. I wish I could find the words now. Unfortunately I’ve realized over the past few weeks though that often there aren’t words powerful enough to properly describe how I’m feeling. Tonight that was definitely the case, because this is one of the most thoughtful, meaningful, and Christlike gifts I’ve ever received. As someone whose love language is gifts, this spoke to my heart in more ways than one.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a strong advocate for women. I’ve built a life and career on helping women overcome challenges in order to pursue their education, their careers, their families, and their dreams. I’ve worked with and been mentored by more women than I can count. Women are incredible, and I’ve always known of the strength that exists from women individually and even more so when we come together. Tonight was a night women came together and, as I’ve always known it could, it made a life-changing impact.
My love and admiration for these women in my neighborhood grew exponentially tonight. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this is the neighborhood where we live as I now raise my own little family. There is so much good that surrounds me and so many incredible examples of womanhood and motherhood and being a wife. I know the Lord blessed me to be right here, right now at this phase of my life as I build a family of my own. Goodness, He is so kindly, lovingly, and perfectly in the details. Just like the perfect little hearts stitched together in this quilt.
When we lost our angel Benny, I felt like my heart shattered into a million pieces. Tonight, I watched as many of those pieces were figuratively picked up, literally stitched together, and then handed back to me in a way more beautiful than before. Each of the quilt squares represents a piece of someone’s heart – a piece of their heart they were willing to share to help mend mine. It’s simply beautiful and I’ll never forget the feelings I had tonight as I was surrounded by the most incredible sisters, supporting and loving this weary mama.
It truly takes a village, and boy am I glad this is mine.
What a beautiful quilt! I am in awe of your amazing neighbors and neighborhood! It truly is a little piece of heaven on earth!