06/01/2026
As we prepare for surgery tomorrow, my heart is overflowing with gratitude.
Over the last several weeks, so many friends, family members, loved ones, neighbors, colleagues, and community members have stepped forward to help support not only me, but the entire ecosystem that surrounds me—our home, the homestead, the farm, our family, the animals, and the many responsibilities that come with daily life.
If I’m being honest, asking for help has never been easy. Like many people, I am often the one offering support, holding space, solving problems, and showing up for others. Between my work in two community-based roles, my commitments to Wild Willow Farm, and the responsibilities of home and family, I’ve spent much of my life being the helper.
There is a certain vulnerability that comes with needing support yourself.
But there is also something incredibly magical that happens when you allow others to step in. One by one, helping hands appear. Meals are offered. Tasks are shared. Check-ins arrive. Plans fall into place. The weight becomes lighter. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you realize that healing has already begun.
The patience, kindness, encouragement, and full-circle support I have received have reminded me that community is one of the greatest medicines we have.
Tomorrow begins a new chapter. I am ready for relief. I am ready for healing. And I am deeply grateful for every person who has helped make this healing journey possible.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for carrying pieces of the load so I can focus on recovery. Your love and support mean more than words can express.
✨ Here’s to healing.
✨ Here’s to community.
✨ Here’s to receiving the same care we so often give to others.
With gratitude,
Amanda
