It Takes a Village

Remember the days when Kenneth slept everywhere we went and was a peaceful little nugget in her carseat? I've been longing for those days recently.

2 days ago I made a quick trip to Sendiks to pick up some taco fixings for dinner.  Kenneth of course started screaming as soon as her carseat clicked into the base in the car, and continued until she was removed from her carseat in the parking lot.  Good thing the drive was only 5 minutes.  She no longer likes just hanging out in her carseat in the shopping cart while I grocery shop, so I usually take the wrap with and just strap her to me.  As I was walking into the store with her in one arm, pushing the cart with the other, I let the blinding sun get in her eyes for approximately 3.5 seconds and the world began to end.  Real tears were streaming down her face as she screamed like someone plucked the little eyeballs right out of her head.  I got into the store and sat down so I could get the wrap all situated.  Well, Kenneth had other ideas and arched her back practically catapulting herself out of my arms.  In the meantime everyone that walked by was giving me "the look."  I started sweating and seriously considered just leaving.  Right at that moment I heard a voice behind me "do you need any help?"  I turned my head and there was a middle aged woman with her approximately 8 year old little girl looking at me with understanding in her eyes.  She walked over and I handed over screaming Kenneth for a minute so I could get the wrap situated and calm my nerves.  She didn't care that she was screaming or grabbing her necklace - she told me "I remember those days. We've all been there."  I got the babe nice and snug against me and the screaming ceased.  I wanted to give that woman the biggest hug in the world.  She probably has no idea how much her tiny action meant to me, but in a moment where I was doubting my abilities as a mom, she restored my faith in myself.  

I want to challenge everyone to be a little more empathetic and if you see a person struggling, offer to help.  Help could even just be an understanding smile or a nod in solidarity.  You never know what a person is struggling with and what kind of impact you can have on them.