we love you. we need you.

we went to the wednesday night community dinner this week. we always love going and having a chance to hang out with people in such a casual environment. (right, and it is one less meal i have to think about planning!) this week was extra special. not in a really obvious way, but in a subtle way, perhaps just to me. i was particularly aware of the relationships that my children have built with others in our community, all on their own. they are a mere 2 and 4, but would consider nearly everyone present a good friend. when someone would pull up, i would hear one of the kids exclaim who had just arrived, "look who is here!! dougy!!". they would run and greet the new arrival with a hug or high five. our hosts live right by a railroad track which was an immediate attraction. jackson convinced at least four people to take him for four individual walks up the steep hill and explore the tracks and bridge. claire knew she could ask anyone to help her reach some food and they would accommodate her. after the meal my kids were in the kitchen having a spontaneous dance party with a group of adults, uninhibited, letting their limbs fly, and making up their own moves.
later, i saw jackson sitting on a bean bag with one woman, then later with two others. my first thought was amusement, projecting a future snuggle time in a bean bag with a lady. in reality i was so overwhelmed by the love in our community. love we have for our friends, love they have for us. our friend, jessie, told me that he had called her over, "come sit with me! i really like you jessie!", he told her.
something right is going on here. it makes me glad that they are comfortable with who they are, they have confidence to be themselves around others, and are developing relationships with my friends.
this gives me assurance for those teen years too, that perhaps they'll be talking to some of my friends if/when they isn't talking with me.
so, here's to you, special friends!
thank you for investing in our lives
thank you for seeking to know my children, as individual little people.
thank you for caring for us.
we certainly can't do this parenting thing alone and are so grateful for a solid community!