lesson [re]learned

For the last two weeks, we have needed our community in a big way. Clarification: we've needed it in a big, obvious way. We always need it- I know that- but, I don't know if I live that. As of last week, we didn't have a choice other than to accept the generosity of our friends and family, to lean on them and thank them and attempt to keep up with the realization that we have a really incredible support system. I think it was sometime late last Thursday night, around the time that I walked into my sister's house and found our laundry- probably at least 4 loads worth- clean and folded, waiting to surprise me, and I started to sob. It was in that moment that I just had to give into it.

Oh, community. You rock my world.

I've been teaching kids about the value and vitality of community for how many years now? Yet, I am still humbled and startled by its actuality. Though we are exhausted and still have a lot of late nights in store, the most overwhelming emotion right now is gratitude. We are so very thankful. In a new way, I love the life that we have built here and am compelled with new conviction to water the roots we have spread. Our home is currently uninhabitable, but when we're back in there, settled and clean, I have a feeling it will feel like home in a whole new way too.

And when it does, we're going to have to host a big, thank you dinner.