Friday

Dear Target Lady



Luis is currently on a new schedule. We are so excited because he will be off on the weekends now, but that means shopping is up to me and the boys. Thursday I found it in myself to finally just go get what we needed from Target. The boys begged to take their tablets and lets face it, it is much easier for me to shop if they are distracted with an exciting game, needless to say I caved. So with the boys sitting in the cart and Josiah strapped to my chest I floated through the aisles of Target. I had been there a total of 5 minutes before Eli asked to use the bathroom. Of course. How could I get mad when he was finally starting to vocalize he had to go- it only took him a year of potty training!
 I raced across Target to the bathrooms, unloading the kids from the cart and hauling them to a bathroom stall. I assisted Eli with Josiah looking up at me from the Ergo, I must say he is such a team player. We finished up in the bathroom and into the cart they went and down the aisles for another try at shopping. I tried to hurry since I needed to head to the actual grocery store after. I double checked my Cartwheel app to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything and headed to the checkout register.

 I was unloading the cart when Eli said he had to go again! I told him to hold it for just a few minutes and he confessed he had already gone. I felt my face get flushed when suddenly the sweet lady behind me looked at me and said, " You have your hands full, let me help you." Before I could say "It's okay I got it," she was already reaching at the bottom of the cart for the sparkling water. I was surprised to be honest, normally I get people staring and I could hear their thoughts saying, "What is she doing out with all those kids!" I thanked her and Eli did as well, although he added that he loved her followed by a, "who is she?!" I swear that kid is hilarious. He says the most random things to people.

As I walked to my car I thought of what a kind act the lady had done. It actually crossed my mind that, like Eli, I might love her too! I rarely run into people that help me with anything, unless they know me or something. When I go out with all the boys and they don't bring along their tablets, it gets pretty chaotic. They want to run around, they argue over who touched who, they want a candy, they want to stop and look at the toys and when I tell them we can look but not buy they cry, it really is a mission going to the store with my boys. I feel judged, sometimes, by people when I scold the kids, as if I am inadequate at being a parent. When I am too drained to scold them and just let them be kids I get the stink eye and the snarky remarks. The point is you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

 But this lady, her face and smile still very vivid in my mind, did not judge or give stink eyes, she offered a hand. That one act of kindness made me realize there is people out there who understand. She made a difference in my day and to that kind lady I say, "Thank you! For those 3 min you took of your time, you made my life a bit easier. And your non judgmental attitude made me feel better about being a parent to 3 crazy boys. We love you!" Haha!!

20 comments

  1. Wonderful story, it shows that there is still good in the world. Happy Friday

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  2. That is awesome! I have three boys..toddler twins and a 6-year-old...so all we ever get is the "you got your hands full" remark. All. The. Time. It's very rare to hear something nice, and to get help is amazing. I would love her too!

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  3. That was so nice of her! I'm not a mother, but I still don't know why people are so critical of mothers and their children. It's nice to hear that you had someone nearby who was understanding and helpful. I saw that you have some clubfoot info on your blog. I was born with clubfoot. I haven't been able to spend too much time scrolling through your tag, but from what I've seen it looks like mine was less severe. I don't think I've ever met someone who has had or has a child who has had clubfoot.

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    1. Thank you for understanding a mother's dilemma. Really?! I have never met an anyone in person, but I have come to find a lot of people online. Glad your clubfoot was not as severe!

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  4. That's so sweet. It's great when we come across people willing to help so freely. I've had things like that happen a few times and I was completely shocked. I'm so used to handling everything that when someone actually helps out with no obligation I'm floored. It definitely restores my faith in humanity.

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    1. Yes, it really did shock me at first, but afterward I was just so grateful. My faith in humanity was restored. Haha!

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  5. That is so sweet of her. I have two kids and bringing them both shopping is never fun. And yes, even my 8 year old girl waits until we are at the back of the Target to tell me she has to go the bathroom NOW. It happens almost every time. You'd think I'd learn and just make her go when we walk in. Oy!

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    1. Lol! Yes, I think next time I will just put a diaper on him! No shame.

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  6. That was very nice. The world needs more kindness.

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  7. Seriously enjoyed reading this! Gosh, it helps just knowing we are not alone on this amazing (but sometimes stressful) motherhood journey. I have SO been there carrying my son in my Boba and then I'm reaching under the cart to unload something and my toddler trying to "help" by throwing things on the belt! :)

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  8. This is really sweet. I try to always treat people as if we could become friends someday.

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  9. What a touching story! I know I always try to help out anyone seeking to need a hand, especially parents with small children. As a nanny, I've kind myself in the middle of a store with a screaming kid that's not even mine and literally wanted to start crying too so I know a small part of your pain! Stay strong!

    Xoxo,
    Roxy

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    1. Thank you! I know being a nanny is almost like being a mom since you spend so much time with the child as well. Thanks for reading!

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  10. That was so sweet of her! I only have one daughter and I can't imagine how other moms do it with two kids or more, such admiration.

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    1. Awe that's so sweet, thank you! Yeah I miss the days of just having one to take along with me sometimes. Haha

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