Dear Fellow Mom in Walmart,
You saw me struggle in the produce aisle as I wrestled the frozen waffle box from my toddler. You smiled when he declared he NEEDED to eat frozen waffles RIGHT NOW. You nodded your head at me in acknowledgement of my exasperated sigh.
As we turned to pick up tomatoes and avocados, you were selecting bananas nearby. I saw your body language straighten and grow tight when my voice carried sharply when my toddler nearly tossed a glass jar out of the cart. I saw your slight frown as I pleaded with him in a desperate and harsh voice to "just stop touching things right now".
I also saw the look on your face when he opened and dumped a package of grape tomatoes all over the floor. I noticed the look you gave me when I lost my composure and yelled at my toddler with tears of frustration, anger, and silent regret in my eyes.
I saw that look full of compassion and empathy. I also saw how you immediately stepped into my world. You placed a gentle hand on my now distraught son and soothed him and told him it was ok. That he was ok. You knelt down where I was frantically gathering tomatoes and grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. You gathered tomatoes and helped me put them back in the carton. You said gently," I've got four. It happens, mama. He's very little. It's all ok. "
I was too touched to speak. So I didn't. I just nodded at you and brushed my tears away. You patted my son on the back one more time and you walked away.
I wish I had said thank you. Thank you for championing my child. Thank you for inserting yourself into a moment that could have been filled with much more regret than it already was. Thank you for putting my little boy's needs first, beyond your comfort zone, without worrying about how I would take it. Thank you for reminding this mama to breathe and think before reacting.
Oh, how I wish I had hugged you and told you what a wonderful woman you are! May God shower special kisses from the King on you today wherever you are! Bless you, mama.
Sincerely,
A Struggling and Grateful Mama
