It takes a village

4 years ago, I posted this to my Facebook account: 

"1 year ago we had never heard the phrases "interrupted aortic arch" or "lyringical webbing." Brielle has taught us so much in just one year it's amazing. Because of her, we know how important a good attitude can be.We know what a difference love can make. We know just how strong a 1 week old baby is. We know how amazing it is to hear a baby cry. We know the power of kind words from others. Brielle continues to amaze us and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. Happy 1st Birthday Bri!"

It still rings true today. We hear the phrase "it takes a village" often while raising children, but I don't know if I ever really got that saying until 5 years ago. Sure, we had help with our first, but that was nothing compared to 5 years ago. 5 years ago, we announced we had a baby girl. Our family members all began their drive up to see us and meet the newest member of our family. Some made it, some did not, some were told to turn around halfway here. Baby girl was headed to a different hospital. 

To this day, I cannot believe the amount of love and support that was shown to our little family. Visitors came, meals were made, gifts purchased, and kind words were said by all. 

My Mom set up a Caringbridge page for our little girl. It became our ritual at bedtime to page through and read the comments left for us. 5 years later, and I can still recite some of those kind words that were typed so carefully for us to read. Words, are powerful things. We knew we had people all around the country praying for our little girl. It was comforting. 

Since then, we have had nurses, family members, and friends help us love our little girl. People often comment on what a good job we have done and how far she has come, but it is not just us. She has a whole team cheering her on, loving her, and helping her- it's our village. It's family members, it's doctors, it's nurses, it's friends, it's neighbors, and it's coworkers.  

Thank you to all those who have impacted our little Princess's life. Thank you to those who have been patient, kind, and loving towards her. Thank you to those who have welcomed her into their lives. Thank you to those who took a moment to leave a comment on her site. Thank you. 

I recently read an article written by another mother who was lamenting about the loss of "village". I disagree. It may look a little different now days, but I believe the village is alive and well. 

Little Miss continues to teach us every day. She shows us what it means to be strong. She shows us what it means to keep trying. She teaches to celebrate the small things. She teaches us that hugs really can help heal. Through her, we have seen kindness in so many others. 

I cannot wait to see what she teaches us this year.