Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dear Village, Thanks!

Normally, I might be somewhat of a Quirky Turkey. But lately, I have felt more like a Jerky Turkey. I have lots to be grateful for. I have had good intentions of thanking many people who have offered service, said a kind word, dropped off a favorite treat, or was there to help in a pinch, expecting nothing in return.
However, I'm afraid that I have just not gotten around to it yet. Does anyone out there seem to have an extra one of these that I can have? Perhaps it will help.







Sorry - I digress. Back to the post at hand. I would like to dedicate this post to ALL of those who have been "Angels Among Us", more specifically to me!

I Am Grateful for...

  • The neighbor who came to my front door last January with cash in-hand telling me that she didn't know why, but that she was prompted I needed this money and that I was not to pay her back.

  • The neighbor who volunteered to help me with the church activities committee, since EVERYONE else bailed. (gee! was it something I said?)

  • The neighbor that brought me candy cuz she knew it was my favorite. Or gave me her last 2 eggs cuz my kids wanted me to bake brownies. Or dropped off milk because she knew I only had $2 till payday. Or let me borrow supplies so I can make Christmas gifts. For emailing me and checking in on me regularly.

  • The Neighbor that stopped me at church because she wanted me to know that I had a positive impact on her daughter, and told me she thinks I am a beautiful person. How did she know that I needed to hear that on that particular day?

  • The Neighbor that brought me a little note with a treat to tell me she missed me when I wasn't at church and for making sure that my kids will be set for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

  • The Neighbor (and his daughter) who have done - on multiple occasions - outside work for me without being asked, starting all the way back in January. Plowed my drive. Mowed my lawn. Blew my leaves. Trimmed hideous branches off the "Beast" tree. Cleaned out gutters. Winterized my swamp cooler. Watched/Watches over me/my house in case my very own personal episode of "Cops" happens (again).

  • The Neighbor who ALWAYS comes through for me. Lets me talk her ear off when I need to share news. Gives me advice. Lets me vent. Picks up my kid from a school that's not even in our neighborhood because I forgot it's early-out week. Takes my sick kids in so I don't have to miss work. Takes my kid to the pool or the water park or amusement park or the zoo or the boutique because - "Why not?". Teaches me how to buy cereal for 20 cents a box. Watches over my house and alerts me to things that occur when I am not there. Forgives me when I am a total boob and say things I shouldn't. Invites me in to eat dinner with them when I show up at the door for something totally unrelated. Lets me "shop" in her food storage when I am out of something. Laughs AT and WITH me when I am being totally stupid. Goes shopping with me to Wal-Mart in the middle of the night to make sure I will be "safe". Tells the waitress when MY order isn't correct because I still have serious non-confrontational issues. For being like the sisters I miss, for "getting me".

And so many more, I am afraid I am forgetting someone here.

Rhondalue reminded me over at her blog that "it takes a village". My "village" is filled with these kinds of neighbors, for who I am eternally grateful. They are MORE than neighbors. They are my friends.

There are times, when these random acts of kindness occur, that I feel needy or incapable of providing or doing for myself. Sometimes my pride gets in the way and it hurts or I am embarrassed or ashamed that I need this much help. But mostly I know that these neighbors, these friends help me because they are following a prompting or because they love and care about me. I also know that it is my Heavenly Father's way of teaching me that sometimes I have to be on the receiving end and that I am not alone.

When my divorce happened almost a year ago, I felt like I stepped off the curb into a very chaotic and fast-paced traffic pattern, going the wrong way down a one-way street. I still feel that way. Some days I think to myself, "What the heck am I doing?" or "What kind of mother am I?" I feel like I am grasping for something, anything that represents normalcy. (Another reason I blog.) I know that my Heavenly Father knows me or He would not have sent me these people to help take care of me.

So, much thanks to ALL of my friends, my family, and my neighbors; My Village for taking care of me and "Raising" me. I know in my heart I will NEVER be able to repay any of you for any of the kind things you do or have done for me. But I definitely do not want you to think these things have gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I know that one day, when I am in a better place, I will be the one who will be able to help out someone else; to pay it forward.

I only hope it will be enough.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I want those neighbors! Where do you live?!

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Good neighbors are indeed a blessing!

deb@virginia blue said...

Beautiful Post, Emma..
You're lucky to have such a wonderful village!

Green said...

Emma, that was beautiful. I'm glad you blog for this village.

Rhonda said...

*sniff sniff*

Wow. You do, indeed, have an awesome village! I wanna know where you live too! Any houses for sale by the neighbor that lets you shop her food storage. Sweet!

Thank goodness for our angels on earth that help us when we need it. I, too, have a REAL hard time accepting help but there comes a time when I have no choice. Thankfully, my angels act like it's no big deal and that helps a lot. ;)

Keep on keepin' on. I love your blog. You have the perfect mix of real-life and humor that makes your readers really connect with you. Have a great day!

Vickie said...

What a good post. You have such good neighbors! What a wonderful blessing!

Blog Stalker said...

What a great post! And what great neighbors who act on the promptings they receive. What a more beautiful world we would have if WE were all those kind of neighbors ALL the time!

Again, great post......you should so make sure your neighbors have your blog address!

jori-o said...

Oh, I want a round toit too! And you do have some super nice homies!!

The Willeyes said...

Emma-You're Awesome! Thanks for a great post for the great friend YOU are! Keep your head up, keep smiling and know there are a lot of people who love you:)

Susie said...

That's a great grateful list:-)

Ashley said...

Ditto the above posts - can i move to your neighborhood? You are a very lucky woman indeed. I hope we can bring some normalcy to your life. Blogging is quite wonderful, huh?

Julie said...

Very well said :) Thanks for making my day.
You know the village just wouldn't be the same without you!!

"The Queen in Residence" said...

Having Neighbors like that is how it should be, but I am so glad that you have them.

So excited for you on the Disneyland trip. That is really amazing, I cannot wait to see all the fun that you will be having soon.

Holli and Billy said...

You are such a wonderful friend! And I will call you the next time I do a Coldstone/Walmart trip venting trip!

purplehaze said...

OK Emma you made me get out the tissue!! That is so awesome you have neighbors like that you are truly blessed! Mine barely say hi.

P.S. My son didn't pop out his shoulders they would pop out on their own he would just pop them back in.

S Club Mama said...

I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your tips for the gift ideas. If we had any money to spend at all, those would be my first ideas. I especially would love to make him a fleece blanket. Maybe for his birthday (would that be weird to make a fleece blanket in July?).

Anonymous said...

absolutely beautiful!!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

I wish my neighbors were as great as yours!!!

Rick said...

I'm moving to your neighborhood. There are a lot of generous people there!

Nice turkey. How long do you cook one like that?

okeydokeyifine said...

Where's that dratted tissue?

mrbusdr said...

I am also gratefull for your neighbors who watch over you and do some of the things a dad could do if he were there.

Tiffany said...

Great letter.

Restores my faith!