Community

noun, often attributive com·mu·ni·ty \kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē\

Community is a word tossed around a bit. It’s such a warm and cozy concept, huh? If you are from my parents’ generation, you might have pictures of Mayberry popping in your head. If you are like my sister, part of you longs for Stars Hollow to be a real place, and for Luke’s to be a real restaurant where people actually do not use their cell phones, and for Lorelai and Rory to be your neighbors.

Mirriam-Webester Dictionary states:

Simple Definition of community

• : a group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood)

• : a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race, etc.

• : a group of nations

 

Community is non-existent without people. Each definition began with “:a group of people…” So, who is your community? Recently my community and view of community has drastically changed. Prior to January 25, 2016 I would define my community as Sulphur Springs, Arkansas or Gravette School District. Suddenly, when an incredible little girl is placed in your care your community includes case workers, CASA volunteers, fellow foster parents, therapists, counselors, bio parents, attorney ad litems, adoption specialists…and the list goes on.

Then, invite a little newborn fella into your home and watch your community expand to include friends of friends, doctors, nurses, and strangers who find out you have a baby whom you had less than 24 hours to prepare for.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude at each new member of our community…or am I the new member of their communities? Either way, we are “:a group of people who have the same interest…” and that interest is a lovely little girl and joyful little guy who have forever changed the way I do life!

My community now includes friends who text and say, “send me your grocery list. I’d like to do your shopping for you this week.”
It includes friends who network with their friends and suddenly your Kia Soul is packed full of everything imaginable for the newborn baby you are picking up from the hospital.
It includes therapists who believe in your Favorite Ray of Sunshine as much as you do and are skilled to equip her to reach her full potential.
It includes fellow foster moms who say, “I can’t do this alone. Come over for coffee once a week and let’s do life together,” and you know that you and your littles will be welcomed, understood, and cherished just for being the real you. No explanation necessary.
It includes family who drop everything to watch your littles because they see the exhaustion in your eyes and hear the weariness in your voice.
It includes the Nana who says, “You’re doing a good job, Momma.” at the very moment you are questioning why you agreed to this crazy journey in the first place and wonder if you’re competent to be anyone’s momma.

Foster care is hard. Foster care would be impossible for me if not for the community around us. To each member of our community, THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! See, we are not all called to foster, but we are all called to care. When we each do our part, we create a beautiful community.