The importance of inviting others in

Today Audrey gave a beautiful talk in church, and one of the people sitting in the pews was her “adopted grandma,” Marlies.

Seventeen years ago, when Audrey was just two months old, I hit a breaking point in motherhood (yes, just two months in). I remember Jeremy coming home one day to me absolutely falling apart and telling me, “You need help.” I look back and laugh with six kids now, but those early days with one baby were some of the hardest of all.

That’s when Marlies entered our life. She lived just a few blocks away in a little blue bungalow in Sugarhouse. She had extra love and a little extra time, and she started watching Audrey a few afternoons a week. Those hours to myself saved me and my marriage. It taught me something I wish every young (or older) mom could know: asking for help doesn’t make you less—it creates a village. And the more people who love your kids, the better.

Now, all these years later, Audrey drives over to see Marlies. She takes her to get her nails done, checks in on her, and still sits in the same rocking chair where Marlies once rocked her as a baby. Their relationship has flipped, but the love hasn’t changed.

It’s a full-circle reminder that inviting others in whether it’s neighbors, friends, or “adopted” grandparents—isn’t just survival. It’s building lifelong relationships, weaving more love and goodness into your family’s story.