If I had a dime for every time I have spouted the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” I could afford to buy my husband the boat he so desperately (wants) deserves.
The other morning, I received a phone call from the elementary school. It was my youngest son asking if I could please tell our neighbor that her son forgot his lunch. This family is military as well and moved in two weeks before we did. I figured either our young neighbor could not remember his home number or the panic of no food was blocking the memory, so my son thought of calling me.
I was floored. How fascinating that my child saw someone in need and went into action.
My boys have been witness to countless acts of friendship and camaraderie by my husband or myself, and they've seen how others have gone out of their way to help us. They have heard me quip the village phrase and have heard others say it, too. They have seen others 'have our backs' and have assisted us in aiding others. But never have I seen them act all on their own.
So on those days when I wonder if my two boys hear me, see me, or even know I exist, I need to remember that while they are small, they are members of the village, and do indeed pay close attention to the actions of its elders.
Oh, and the school office was floored as well. They told me while they had heard how military families help each other out, they had never seen it for themselves. How has your child amazed you?
