Friday, November 11, 2011
The kindness of a stranger
I will catch-up someday, but for now I will share a moment from today.
Sometimes (daily), I have these what-were-you-thinking motherhood moments. Today's great idea was to take the boys for a walk. We needed some groceries, the boys needed some fresh air, and it would kill some time before nap time (less time for Sam to destroy the house keeps the mom/maid happy). The grocery store is only about a mile from the house, and it seemed like nice weather. This all sounds good, hypothetically. I did not take into account the force or direction of the wind, however. As we made our way uphill toward the grocery store with a strong wind pushing against us, it felt like a major feat to push the stroller even one foot forward. Let it be noted that the stroller is like a tank and weighs about 130 lbs with Sam and the baby strapped on it.
So picture rosy-cheek Sam up front laughing into the wind, baby Mark on the back all bundled up in his carseat, and me huffing and puffing while pushing with all of my strength against the wind, tears streaming down my face and sweat running down my neck. I was starting to wonder what I was thinking when a car pulled up next to me. This guy explained that he had seen me crossing the road and that he wanted to thank me for all the hard work mothers do. Then he handed me five dollars and told me to treat myself and my kids to lunch or something. I was so taken aback by this stranger's kindness that I didn't know what to say. But I thanked him and smiled against the wind all the way to McDonald's where Sam discovered the joy of Happy Meals and an indoor playland.
On the way home, we crossed paths with an older gentleman who stopped me and, pointing to the boys, said, "This is what is important in life. Don't forget it." He gave my arm a squeeze and then was gone.
Did these two men know that yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed and burned out as a mommy? No, but Someone did. And I am so grateful for the encouragement. I hope all moms out there get this encouragement when they need it because being a mom really is something special. And you know, sometimes those what-were-you-thinking motherhood moments can turn out pretty darn good!
Sometimes (daily), I have these what-were-you-thinking motherhood moments. Today's great idea was to take the boys for a walk. We needed some groceries, the boys needed some fresh air, and it would kill some time before nap time (less time for Sam to destroy the house keeps the mom/maid happy). The grocery store is only about a mile from the house, and it seemed like nice weather. This all sounds good, hypothetically. I did not take into account the force or direction of the wind, however. As we made our way uphill toward the grocery store with a strong wind pushing against us, it felt like a major feat to push the stroller even one foot forward. Let it be noted that the stroller is like a tank and weighs about 130 lbs with Sam and the baby strapped on it.
So picture rosy-cheek Sam up front laughing into the wind, baby Mark on the back all bundled up in his carseat, and me huffing and puffing while pushing with all of my strength against the wind, tears streaming down my face and sweat running down my neck. I was starting to wonder what I was thinking when a car pulled up next to me. This guy explained that he had seen me crossing the road and that he wanted to thank me for all the hard work mothers do. Then he handed me five dollars and told me to treat myself and my kids to lunch or something. I was so taken aback by this stranger's kindness that I didn't know what to say. But I thanked him and smiled against the wind all the way to McDonald's where Sam discovered the joy of Happy Meals and an indoor playland.
On the way home, we crossed paths with an older gentleman who stopped me and, pointing to the boys, said, "This is what is important in life. Don't forget it." He gave my arm a squeeze and then was gone.
Did these two men know that yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed and burned out as a mommy? No, but Someone did. And I am so grateful for the encouragement. I hope all moms out there get this encouragement when they need it because being a mom really is something special. And you know, sometimes those what-were-you-thinking motherhood moments can turn out pretty darn good!
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