07/06/2026
When I was young, I had a friend. A best friend, really. We were inseparable for as long as I can remember. When things were rough at home (which was more often than not), I knew I could escape there. We didn't necessarily have long talks about life, and we didn't need to. She knew my burdens. It was in the way she spoke - "the door is always open, you're one of mine in my heart", and "we're having nachos for an after school snack if you want to join". Let's be honest - nothing about it was fancy. The home was rented and shabby, and "nachos" were microwaved chips + kraft singles (no name). But it felt like heaven. Because in her words and those snacks were love, safety, stability, and connection.
I have spent a lot of time focusing on what I didn't have growing up to ensure my kids never feel those things. But as I get older, I'm more connected with the few amazing things I did have - the safety and security of a mom-adjacent who loved me and took care of me in every important way.
So now, you see a play date snack platter posted here. Cute huh? Except it's just Little Rachel making sure any kid who walks through this door feels safe, supported, and cared for. They can count on yummy snacks and a mom-adjacent to talk to if the need ever arises. It's what Little Rachel needed and what Now Rachel wants to pay forward.
Monday musings ❤️
