Help and Hearts

As part of the Hearts of Haiti Mother’s Day Campaign, I’m to write about a woman who helped me.
My first thought was that I could not possibly name just one. The women in my life that are part of the cadre of mom-caregivers are irreplaceable, indispensable and impossible to single out.

When I moved here two years ago I was stunned at how quickly and naturally I was absorbed into the framework of the parent community. There were moms at school pickup that advised me on preschool options and the cheapest grocery stores. There were moms at the library that took my children in for storytime when I struggled with a wiggly toddler. There were moms who offered playdates and moms who organized girls’ nights out and included me in book clubs. I had carpool offers before I even knew my way around town.

What was most stunning was that no one asked for a thing in return. I ached for the day when someone wanted me to pick up their kid. I felt guilty for always answering yes to the question, “do you need help?”.
The truth was I did. With a new commute and more stressful job, my husband was away from my house for the longest days in the history of our marriage. I had no support system in the way of family for the first time in my life. Having relocated and giving up outside work, I only had one job-mother. The last time I only had one job, I was twelve years old.

I was lost. I was scared and I had no idea what to do.

In swooped the moms to rescue me and they did it without any judgement or score keeping.
I am forever grateful to these women, some who remain my friends, some who’ve recently been added others whose names I never knew.

My Village formed itself and it is full of stupendous New Jersey Mothers.  I am grateful every day.

 The Heart of Haiti Shop for a Better World items available through Macy’s put sustainable income into the hands of the artisans who create them. If you’d like to see more of these beautiful handmade items support these wonderful artisans with a special Mother’s Day Purchase, please visit the Macy’s  website. As a courtesy to my readers, you can take advantage of  a 15% discount on any purchase made between 5/3-5/8 on HOH or Rwanda Path to Peace Items. Just use the code Clever Girls at checkout. I purchased one of the HOH baskets for my sister-in-law for Christmas a few years ago and it is gorgeous. What’s better than getting something beautiful and doing something beautiful at the same time? 

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.