It really does take a village

"It takes a village," the message came up.

I replied affirmatively.

This is something that I knew. I've known it for a long time. This time, though, it rang true differently.

I am a single mom. But, I am not alone.

I struggle on hard days. But I have help.

There are people in the world who really are doing it seemingly alone. Some of them are actually doing it completely alone. I have at least one friend who can only rely on herself. She never ceases to amaze me. I sometimes feel wholly inadequate calling myself a single mom because I know she is truly walking the walk. It is her only choice. I, however, have people I can call. I have people I rely on to keep the day-to-day routine happen.

I drive an hour to work every morning. I am a teacher, so I need to be present and on time to fulfill my expected duties. My drive home often takes close to an hour and a half. I have the wonderful ability to drop my son off at school, but my afternoon kindergarten daughter is another story. Most days, my dad takes her. He gets her up in the morning, feeds her breakfast, gathers her things and they "walk" to school. (They drive his motorized scooter.)

Never underestimate the change a simple doctor appointment or weather can bring. If it pours rain, that can make things difficult. If my dad has a scheduled doctor's appointment, that really makes things interesting. When my dad had a panned trip, I made alternative arrangements in advance. All went well. Recently, though, he had an unexpected doctor's appointment. The previous week, he took Miss Hollywood to school even in the pouring rain. She has an umbrella, he has a raincoat. They made it work. But then, my dad was sick. Very sick. I actually feared hospitalization. The kids' dad was having car trouble at the same time, We spent the weekend finding my dad a ride for his doctor's appointment and then I had to find a way for Miss Hollywood to get to school. I finally reached out to someone I know. Well, sort of know. But I trust her. And I trust her judgment. I hoped she would be able to help me find someone to take my daughter to school. She did one better. She offered to take Miss Hollywood. I graciously accepted.

"It takes a village,"s he wrote.

I replied affirmatively.

One night last week, I arrived home late from work. My cat was home following surgery. My kids were home. A donation had been made to my school's fundraiser and was waiting on my porch.

It takes a village.

I have a huge trip coming up in February. I have a conference in March. I have an EdCamp in April.

It takes a village.

I am thankful for my village that is helping to get the kids where they need to go. I am thankful for my village that is making sure all is well. I am also thankful for my tribe. My tribe of friends who help keep me sane. My tribe of EdTech professionals who help me learn, who help me teach, who help me be better and do better.

My tribe and and my village...they are what make the world a better place. They also make me a better person. Yes, I am a single mom. A truly, SINGLE mom. However, I am a blessed mom with a village and tribe. My children are better for it.

Thank you, village. They're going to continue being awesome and one day...they will thank us all.
And to that mom who does it all, you...YOU....are amazing!