like family

Leaving my children for any amount of time is not part of my skill set. And it is a skill– arranging babysitting, meals in the freezer, laundry folded and a schedule on the counter…it’s all too much for me. But I was determined to be a grown-up and hire help while Erik and I took the Priests/Laurels on a campout.

“You’re in trouble,” Kevin emailed me, “the girls wanted to have the Lehnardt cousins sleep over! Kit and I think you should cancel the babysitter to avoid any little Linkous girl guilt trips.”

“You are like family,” Kit assured me, “we want your children here.”

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they don’t believe in overpacking– they each brought a book and a toothbrush

It’s impossible to describe what their invitation meant to me. Like family. Someone who wants my children around. People who don’t think they are too many or too rowdy. Friends that love my children as I do.

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As soon as we walked in the house Friday afternoon, they raced for baby Darren. “He’s so sweet.” “He’s smiling at me!” “Look at his cute toes!”

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And when I picked them up twenty-four hours later, Kit and Kevin had nothing but praise– the boys were so helpful, Mary was incredibly sweet to the little girls. They are good kids, I know. But staying with the Linkous’ makes them better.

When someone expects you to be wonderful, when they see nothing in you but beauty and endless potential– you simply can’t help but cuddle the baby and offer to vacuum. Even a child recognizes role models, and when you have complete respect for the way that someone lives– hard working, generous, kind, family centered– you want to please them, you want to be like them.

And that, is just like family.

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May 27, 2011

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7 Comments

  1. Linn

    May 20, 2011

    I love this so much. “Like family” has brought on new meaning since we moved to the East Coast. I have two friends here who would do anything for me at any time (if they could just get me to ask). They say they WANT to take the kids and to please let them. It means everything and with every family member so far away, it sure helps with the loneliness.

  2. Tracy

    May 20, 2011

    Oh I love this. I bet it was fabulous. Now, how did that baby boy get so big already!

  3. Selwyn

    May 21, 2011

    “Like family” indeed.

    (And when I saw Gabe’s socks, my heart did a little happy dance!)

    Luvies!

  4. jen

    May 21, 2011

    i’m noting that the books were all harry potter ones. 🙂

  5. michelle

    May 22, 2011

    LOVE.

  6. Cath

    May 23, 2011

    What a blessing to have such good friends/family. Beautiful.

  7. Tifani

    May 25, 2011

    If I could only bottle this part of your blog and give it to every adult that comes near children:
    “When someone expects you to be wonderful, when they see nothing in you but beauty and endless potential– you simply can’t help but [do good things]. Even a child recognizes role models, and when you have complete respect for the way that someone lives– hard working, generous, kind, family centered– you want to please them, you want to be like them.”

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