I Couldn't Ask for a Better Mentor

When Dusty moved to Memphis for a new job, she didn’t know anyone in town. She was a nurse, married, mom to three – and excited to be pregnant again at age 42. But she didn’t know any local OB/GYNs or have a real support system in town. One of her clients was a One by One mom who suggested Dusty give us a call.

Robin was an empty-nester who loved being a mom and was looking for ways to help others. She heard about One by One and loved the idea of a program that supported moms in both spiritual and practical ways.  

Although Robin was excited to mentor, she was a little nervous.  “There were, admittedly, some nerves about advising a young mom about things that I haven’t done for quite a while. Fortunately, One by One’s training program is very clear and informative. My trainer found the perfect balance of presenting things with great clarity and the sweetest spirit.”

Dusty and her husband were excited about baby number four, but, she says, “as a nurse, I was the one who was always giving support. This time, I didn’t know any doctors in town. I didn’t have a support system, and I needed someone I could go to, so I called One by One. This program was definitely what I needed.”

Robin and Dusty have been together a little more than two years, and their relationship is thriving.

At first, though, Robin wasn’t sure what she could offer Dusty. “She’s married, has three older children, is a believer, and is a nurse! I didn’t really know what I had to offer her. But Dusty knew there were things she wanted to do differently as a mom with this baby, and she wisely sought counsel. Being relatively new in town, she also needed a friend. While Dusty has loved the materials and other support that One by One has been able to provide, I would say that praying for her and with her is possibly our most valuable connection.”

Dusty adds, “I really didn’t need the program to learn how to take care of my baby, but the handouts were helpful even though I knew most of the information.” But she did need assistance in other ways. Dusty and her husband decided she would quit her job and become a stay-at-home mom to baby Shiloh. Then, shortly after leaving her job, her husband unexpectedly lost his. They found themselves struggling financially and with past due bills for the first time in their lives. Robin helped Dusty apply for assistance to help get through this period. Dusty also says One by One’s support helped tremendously. “The diapers I got each time Robin and I met – the items I picked up at the blessing days – helped more than I expected. The baby clothes and the gift cards were so helpful. There was so much help from One by One, and that made a huge difference.”

Robin has loved being a mentor for Dusty. She says, “Shiloh is an absolute joy and perfect in every way. I’ve loved being a part of his life for these two years and pray our relationship will continue. I really enjoy these times when I feel like I can relieve some of the burden from Dusty through the One by One support system, prayers, or just a fun lunch sharing and laughing together.”

Dusty adds, “I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. Robin has been perfect for me. She’s consistent, kind, compassionate, an amazing listener, and an even better prayer warrior. She contacts me often asking for my prayer requests. I never doubted that she would show up. She’s given me exactly what I needed to help me thrive. I can imagine we’ll be friends forever.”

When asked for a favorite story of their time in our program, Robin and Dusty both shared the same story of provision. Shiloh had an undetected milk allergy and was really fussy at times. Dusty noticed there was a swing in her church’s nursery that seemed to soothe Shiloh. Dusty looked into buying this swing, but it was expensive, and she was hesitant to spend the money. She prayed about it and felt God told her to wait. The next week, she attended One by One’s Mom Blessing Day, and the same swing was there. Dusty was able to take it home for Shiloh. Robin says, “This is such a sweet testimony of prayer, trusting in God’s provision, appreciation for the goodness of strangers, and validation of the work One by One provides.”

Dusty is already planning to pay it forward. She has clothes and baby items ready to donate to One by One so other moms can have the help she did. She also plans to become a mentor in the future. She’s encouraging friends of hers to become mentors. She adds, “It’s such a great program – there’s nothing better.”