It takes a village...

I have always loved the phrase "It takes a village to raise a child."

I wish that our culture lived by this more.  I wish that it wasn't so common and easy for your family to disperse to all corners of the country.  In family that is pretty literal.  One in Alaska, one in Minnesota, one in N. Carolina & mom & dad either here in Colorado or arizona or traveling.  O and Jeremiah is all over :)  So we've got quite a distance to bridge to get the "village" together.

I know "village" can mean friends that are like family or a church family.  But there's something about family being apart of your life and your kids' lives.

To me this phrase says so much more than "kids are hard to raise".  It talks about the importance of a child learning from a group of people and not just mom & dad.  Being exposed to different ways of thinking, living, loving & learning.  It speaks to the need for parents to be supported, to get breaks or advice or just help or an ear to listen or a reassuring hug.

It speaks of how "the village" too, needs to be part of a child's youth.  This is how our family history is passed on.  This is how you can see a trait, like sarcasm or a sense of humor or how a word is pronounced or a secret family recipe (like addictive cookies), passed down from generation to generation.  It is so meaningful for family members to be there and a part of a kids' childhood.

I can't explain how important it is for a new parent to be able to share their sudden understanding of their parents with them as they go through the same challenges the now grandparents did.

Anyway, really I just wanted to say how much I appreciate my own "village".  Whether part of our life here in Colorado, via skype & phone or strictly virtual/internet village,  I am so very grateful for you all.