I am naturally a person that keeps things to myself. Growing up my sisters even called me secret squirrel, because I always kept things to myself. Over the years, this hasn’t gotten much better. For various reason, I try to keep things to myself and do things myself. When I went on bedrest, my first instinct besides taking it all in, was to not bother anyone. I didn’t want people to worry about me, or ask me many personal questions. I was in the hospital for almost two weeks before I began to reach out, and let people know my situation. To my surprise, the outburst of love and support was amazing. I began to get cards, flowers, visits, text, phone calls and etc. When I went home to be on bed rest, some of my friends would bring my husband and me food, offer to run errands and clean the house. I was amazed, because I didn’t think people cared as much, or that I had formed close bonds. Even now I still have friends that reach out to me on a weekly basis and offer assistance.

From this process, I learned how to allow people into my space, and accept their help. I learned that it’s OK to share, and not be so afraid of people judging me or my situation. I learned that although I may not have a lot of family here, I have a community. A community of people who genuinely cares about me, and want to help if I only open myself up to it.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

I have been lifted by my community, and have learned that it is ok to open and let people in.