Decade of Gratitude Post #3: My Village

An African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I say I’d be lost without my village!

When the girls were born, Clay and I were overwhelmed. Family, friends and neighbors came to help us, brought us food and encouragement, and sat with the girls while I went to cardiac rehab and doctor appointments.  My mom left her life in Minnesota and moved in for the first months of the girls lives. We wouldn’t have made it without her.

As the girls grew and I recovered, things became easier, but we still need the support of our family, friends and community.

Now days, when traveling, it is a great comfort to know my mom and cousins are there to make sure the girls have a safe and caring place to go before daddy gets home from work. Leaving is always hard, but I know they are in good hands. None of the work I do would be possible without the family that lives here in town!

We are lucky to be surrounded to great friends and family who continue to be a part of Grace and Callie’s lives, showing them different points of view, encouraging them, and being wonderful role models.

I am also grateful for our community and the fantastic teachers and staff (and my fellow school board members too) at Fox Point-Bayside Schools.  We live in a place where other parents will step up to encourage your child – but also let them know when they step out of line.  Grace and Callie love school and Clay and I couldn’t be more pleased with the education they are receiving or the standards of character they are encouraged to express every day.

Thanks village! We are stronger because of you!

Who is a part of your village? Even if you don’t have children, surrounding yourself with people who love and support you is an important way of keeping your heart healthy.  Take a moment to acknowledge the people in your life – it would be a great anniversary gift!

Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.