When we lived in Arizona, Chris was often out of town for work, so the boys and I managed on our own. At the time that I wrote this post (below), I was just grateful for the act of kindness. And now, with a few years’ reflection, I also hope that I set the same example of kindness for my sons that this lady did for hers. Be a good human. Raise good humans. That is all.
Here is the story:
This evening I walked out of the Costco with my 3 year old, my 1 year old, and a cart full of groceries. It was just me and the boys, as it often is; we have a routine. They were being surprisingly cooperative, considering it was past dinnertime and we were all feeling a little under the weather. As I rolled my cart up to the car, a woman approached me with her two teenaged sons.
“Let us help you load those things into your car. I was in your shoes, not that many years ago, when my sons were the same ages that yours are now.”
That lady and her two sons then proceeded to unpack my cart and place everything carefully in the back of the car while I got the boys loaded into their carseats.
Could I have managed on my own? Of course. But it was wonderful not to have to. It was five less minutes we all had to struggle in the 105 degree weather. It was an act of kindness and a teachable moment for my kids. She didn’t expect anything in return. She didn’t offer out of pity or obligation. She didn’t comment that I “had my hands full” or imply that I didn’t have the situation under control. She just simply, gently, and matter-of-factly, lent a hand.
So THANK YOU to the kind woman at Costco and your two sons. I promise I will pay it forward.
