The Master Key is a Deleted scene from the start of my book. For Cryin’ Out Loud.
Late 2009
I sat there on the carpet in the toy room, rolling around a small pink playground ball with my slippered foot. I’d roll it almost to the edge, then bring it back. I sat with my back leaning on the wall on our open 2-step landing, with a perfect vantage point on the toddlers.
My two-year-old daughter is opposite me, in the corner next to the window, playing with a new friend. The are quiet, busy with little Christmas window gummy stickers of Santa, Rudolph, presents. My older son and his new friend took over the living room with two giant bags full of cardboard bricks. Every couple minutes, I hear a thud, the sound of the bricks hitting the floor, and a rousing round of clapping and jingling of plastic sleigh bells.
Mission accomplished: successful playdate. My heart should be happy and proud, right? Nope, I got the sweats of Rocky Balboa, with no towel in sight.
Contrary to my insides, I look across the room and smile my best towards someone new – the mom of the other toddlers. The smile makes me feel like lipstick on a pig. But you gotta fake it ’till you make it, right?
Heidi, just say it! I yell at myself. I put on my best mommy voice and start,
“Hey! who wants to watch some Micky Mouse Clubhouse with some carrots, raisins, and peanut butter?” I ask. I look at my daughter, a gummy candy cane dropping from her sprite-like hands, her eyes light up. My son and his friend bound in the room and jump up and down.
“Yea!!!” a collective cheer comes from the four toddlers.
Five minutes later, I have the kids settled with a healthy snack and my newest DVD of Micky Mouse Clubhouse on. The other mom and I settle back into the toy room. I lean against the wall and put the small pink playground ball under my slippered foot. It’s now or never.
“So, how are things with you?” I start, my heart in my throat.
“Oh, we’re fine. You know, the usual. Kids and Christmas mayhem.” she states, sitting next to the window, straightening up the window design of the Christmas window clings.
“I hear that. I’m pretty tired, but I’ve been feeling, um, kinda weird lately…” I say. Almost there… The mom stops fixing the clings and looks at me.
“Oh, weird. Like how? Are you sick?” She asks. Okay Heidi, now’s your chance. I take the ball into my hands and try to channel my inner confident, positive Dora.
“No, I feel fine. Just like, maybe not super happy with my marriage or something. I dunno. Maybe confused. Maybe tired.” the words race outta my mouth like horses at the Kentucky derby. My whole body waits, tense. Did I just talk about my husband behind his back? I hate when people do that. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Maybe I’ll feel better soon. I squeeze the ball like my life depends on it. I look up with one eye, my friend looks like she’s been slapped in the face.
Then, as casual as an elf restocking toys in January, she goes back to the window clings, and states “I’m sure, with your faith in God, you and your husband will figure it out.”
“Yea, I guess you’re right.” I say and nod my head, though I feel like I just got a sucker punch in the gut, down for the count.
She did not come over again.
A few months later, I met Mary. Then Kevin, then Stacey….. And a new world of possibility and hope unfolded. To learn more about these KEY friends and the rest of my isolated-to-supported mommy journey, catch the whole scoop in my book, For Cryin’ Out Loud!
The Master Key
Let’s face it, we all need support. But sometimes it seems scarier to ask for help than to just go it alone. Because we don’t know what’s waiting for us on the other end of the line. Like with my encounter with that friend, above.
So, I got a little secret for you: you were made with ears and a mouth. Do you know what that means? You were made to listen and speak. Which means you were made to give and receive support. You were not made to do this life thing alone.
But, how do you know who’s right for you?
Who will help you be the happiest, most true version of yourself and not keep you locked in your no-help closet? These THREE people: the Cheerleader, the Sleuth, and the Joy-Opener will unlock your door to your happier, truer self – every time. I call them the StepStool of Support. Combined, they provide rest, confidence, a different view, and a way forward – for you!
Today, I’ll sharing about my story + The Stepstool of Support. Maybe you want a friend who doesn’t care if you put on a bra. Or someone to watch The Golden Girls reruns with. Or someone who understands what losing a spouse is like. Or someone who can help you with a job hunt. The Stepstool of Support is your support for living in joy.
Ready to dig in and hear more about it? 👇
And in my upcoming course, Peeling Your Onion, you’ll learn exactly who to look for to make sure you set out with the most helpful kind of support you need!
