By Holly Lemons 
They say it takes a village to raise a child. As the years go by and my kids grow, I find more and more that this is true.
It’s the shop owner who says they saw your kiddo with someone that made them uncomfortable.
It’s the acquaintance who tells you your baby was busy and working hard at their job and greeted them with a smile anyway.
It’s the friend who tells your new driver to slow down when she’s driving.
It’s the mom who fills the gap in getting your kid to a game or practice, sometimes both.
It’s the dad who drops food by for the kids because something unexpected took you out of town.
It’s the teacher checking in, years after the kiddo has left their class.
It’s the people who fill the gap. They’re the village. They’re helping raise my children. They’re there behind the scenes connecting the dots, making it happen when I can’t be everywhere.
Yes, it takes a village to raise a child. And I’m so very grateful. Grateful for not only how they’re showing my children love and support, but also me.
This village has taught me that it’s okay to ask for help. We’ve all been stretched thin before.
This village has taught me that when I can’t be there, without question they will be. They’re willingly feeding my kids, taxiing them to and fro, or just generally keeping an eye out for them.
They remind me that while I see and know lots about what my kids are up to, I can’t see it all. They’re willing to guide my child with love and concern when they see it. Appreciative isn’t even the word when you know someone has your children’s back and yours.
My village is also raising a mom, reminding her that it’s okay to be human. My village is raising a mom who promises to be part of the same village for their kids because whether we started as acquaintances because our kids shared a passion or we’ve known each other for years, our kids became their kids, and their kids became ours. And the filling of the gaps . . . it comes from a place of love. It comes from a place of understanding. It comes from knowing that we can’t do it alone.
I’m forever grateful for these people who showed up when they didn’t have to because the impact is so much more than the immediate need. Here’s to the people who make up our village. Here’s to raising our kids and each other. Together, we’ll raise the next generation of villagers.
by Mary Ann Blair 
by Tara Parkinson 
