Today while busily running way too many errands I headed to Trader Joes. I was in a hurry. I guess I just had too many “To-do’s” and not enough time, what is new, that is always how it seems to be. I parked in the over crowded way too small for Trader Joes parking lot, rounded Bailey up who had managed to take off her shoes, her socks, her ponytail, I think if it were not for her straps it would also be her, shirt, her pants, and diaper, and THAT would make her happy. I walked up to Trader Joes, Bailey in arms, this was going to be a quick trip! The automated doors opened and I walked in. That is when I heard a lot of playful screaming, looked over and saw a mother whom was wearing a little one in a moby wrap, with a cart next to her, a 3 year old whom was having a tantrum and the playful screaming I heard was her 2 year old running from her. She was trying to shuffle her 3 year old whom was being defiant, the cart, her purse, and catch her 2 year old who was off and running. She had a look of frustration, so quickly I headed towards her 2 year old and said hello, as Bailey was also waving hello! The little two year old was intrigued with Bailey, something about children, they love other little children. A second later his Mom walked up. She looked at me and said “Thank you very much”. She did not have to tell me about the situation, about what kind of day she had, about how last night she was up every hour, or about how 2 and 3 year olds like to pull tantrums in public places and sometimes you just can not do anything about it. You know, before I had Bailey, I would have looked at this situation different. I would had thought, “Wow, she should control her children” or “Wow, those children must be naughty…” Now though, this time, I look at this Mom, her face, and I know the frustration, the hard day, the tired, sleep deprived self, I just understand that it happens, things happen. I try to look at her and smile, we both understand.
I thank Bailey for teaching me this understanding, she is my greatest teacher in life.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This gives me hope! I have two boys who are 13 1/2 months apart and currently 2 and 3 and I’m telling you…I’ve all but quit taking them to the store when I need to go…it’s overwhelming and you do have these sense that no matter how you handle a situation someone is looking over their shoulder silently wondering “Why can’t she control her children in public?” I know before I had kids…I was that person…then my sister had a child and I quickly picked up on these things and even as a single, non-mommy I tried to help when I could even if it was just holding a door open for someone!
Glad there are others out there who are more about helping! Great post and thanks for sharing!
I have become someone who judges less, because the fact is that I don’t know what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes and in their situation. I bet that mom was happy to see you and as you said, I am sure she knew that you understood.
Oh, sweet Bailey how I’ve missed seeing you!!
I bet that mom is still telling people about what a huge help you were. So sweet of you to step in Cindy!