I was sitting with my kids in the cafe area of our grocery store the other day. Two women came up the steps, and I noticed them survey the crowded area, then make their way to a table–one stopped by our table first and leaned over to me to say, kindly: “Hello there…did you by chance leave your wallet at the check-out?”
“Probably, and most likely my keys, too, knowing me,” I said, laughing, as I checked my bag, but I had both.
“Well, I’m sorry to bother you, but when I saw you with the kids, well, I know what that’s like,” she said, with a nice smile, and joined her friend again.
I felt a sudden surge of surprise and appreciation–she did not imply that I was the most harried one in the cafe, just a simple acknowledgment that I perhaps had my hands full in a way she understood and was a likely candidate for leaving my keys behind. In fact, I looked remarkably un-harried: Before she walked up, I had just been thinking that I needed to leave soon because of the almost eerie way my children were being so still and quiet while eating in an exciting environment–this couldn’t last. (They even had their napkins on their laps–Martin because he thinks it’s funny, and Chris because Martin did it.)
This woman has probably already forgotten that moment of random kindness, but to me, she makes people who might be trolling through supermarkets scowling and judging my “spawn” fizzle up and disappear right out of my consciousness.
Sometimes, it is amazing when people actually SEE us isn’t it? In a time when there is so much disconnection among us, a brief connection holds such power.
Or maybe that’s just me
More of this and my world would be a much happier place. So pleased it happened to you.
I read this days ago and got bumped before I could comment. I’m glad I got a chance to see it again because it makes my heart feel good. I love that napkin lap image. All very much worth remembering.
Isn’t it amazing how a total stranger can make your day? Not only that, they can help ground when you didn’t even realize you needed grounding.
Wonderful post. Thanks!
I don’t feel people see my “spawn” negatively at all. I always feel like people are much nicer to me because I’ve got the cute kids in tow. I often say I feel like taking Zack to Sams is like walking around with a movie star because he attracts so much attention. People are randomly kind to me everyday because of my kids I think.
It’s always nice to be reminded that there are lots of really nice people out there!
Have I ever told you why I don’t watch the news? I feel all that is reflected back is hatred and many things over which I am powerless. I think the news should be filled with moments like this as well as the other hard truths we co-create!
I agree. Hatred, bias, over dramatization and content so glossed over as to be useless for providing any sort of actual information- and I’m talking about the better news channels.
I’ll pass every time.