One in a Million

Does everyone know this song?

It's a guy explaining to his girlfriend that no matter how often she's just part of the crowd, she's one in a million to him. Now, I'd love to say my husband always feels this way (and maybe he does more than I give him credit for), but I know a group of people who do.

No matter how badly the rest of the world has treated me or how little attention has been paid to my needs I know people who love and appreciate me every time. The toddler gang at Riley's school. They're never indifferent to my arrival (or departure). They don't care how I look or what I have in the bank. I'm a hero for reading a book, giving a hug or graciously accepting a plate of plastic food.

This one is from the birthday party they threw me. I'm also welcome to stop by for (or hang out until)lunch. I'm familiar enough to have authority and novel enough to be slightly exciting. They're an amazing group of kids. Watching them grow up is really a gift. Clever sweet little friends who love me just the way I am. Riley and I are lucky to spend so much time with them (in and out of school). Some have come and gone from the weekly gathering, but they're all a part of our lives. They're her other family. The village that's helped shape her into the little girl she's becoming (sniff, sniff).