As my kids and I walked home from camp yesterday, with Oliver in the lead on his bicycle and Madame in the stroller, racing to keep up, I saw an elderly woman headed in our direction. She stopped in her tracks about half a block away, and I called to Oliver to take care. He’s safe and capable on his bike, but I’m always wary when the old-kids are walking along, slowly… I’d hate for him to take anyone out by accident.
Anyway, I heard her say hello to him as he rode past, and he greeted her in turn, smiling. She stood in the same spot and waited until I approached, her eyes held fast on Ava Scarlett. My little said Hello! and waved. They smiled broadly at each other.
The woman looked up at me and said, “I see you walking together all the time, and your children look so happy.”
What a nice thing to say. I mean, seriously.
“Oh… thank you! I think they are… at least, I hope they are…” Oh god, I hope so. “It’s not always easy. Sometimes I think I yell too much.”
She gave me a soft, knowing look and said, “We all worry. It’s okay. They are happy, I can see… and they love each other. This is good.”
“Thank you. So much.” Oliver was far, far ahead by now. “Um, I have to catch up… bye-bye!”
I thought about that exchange all night. Indeed, happiness and contentment are difficult to measure, but maybe when we remember to be grateful for all we have, huge amounts of happiness can be easily found.
And maybe a little bit of laughter. (Is that the trick?)
Maybe a lot of laughter. Maybe that’s the ticket.
Oh god, I hope so.
Laughed much lately?
I think you’re right, Aileen… that, and QUIET children. Whatever. 😉
Yes! And yes. And, yes… *sniff*
It IS the best. And YES INDEED, you need to pay us a visit, woman. Let’s plan that!!
They’re my favourite moments too… I’ve never played “giggle belly” but I’m sure it’s a riot… Hee!!
Thanks, Chantel. Of course, I completely bow to you, woman. I don’t know how you do it… I’d be completely hoarse for the rest of my life. Believe it. 😉
Awwwww… Christine. I love that. LOVE THAT!! xox
It really was a delightful thing to hear… nice lady.
You’re nice too, Alice. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
I thought so too! 😉
Man I LOVE that story! I agree with Chantel – It’s so nice to hear positive reinforcement. And Christine…I just cried at your comment – love that too.
Isn’t that the best? The laughter, love, and the peeps who recognize & appreciate it. Le sigh. Me needs to come to Montreal to meet your cuties, including M.
laughing and making people laugh are pretty much up there with my most important moments in any day
Ever played giggle belly?
Its the best
It is so nice to hear things like that because sadly we hear so much of how we are not doing our job.
Laughter is the best – lots and lots of it – so is being silly thats what I do best;) My kids think I belong in a looney bin but secretly I know they love it!
p.s your kiddies are sooooooo adorable! And yes they totally look happy! You are obviously doing an awesome job – even if you think you yell a lot;)
I LOVE the total stranger parenting compliment! God bless those divine souls who take a minute to do it. Christine, I welled up a little at your story.
And yes, laughter is the ticket. Even when mine kill themselves over the hilarity of their own fart jokes, I can’t help thinking there’s nothing better than happy children.
How lovely. And she probably had no idea how that quick exchange affected you.
There was an elderly gentleman who was trying to engage with Cuyler in line at the grocery store. It was obvious that Cuyler had special needs at this particular time. The gentleman leaned over and said to me quietly “I have a boy like yours. He’s all grown up now. I know it’s not easy but keep it up. You’re doing a wonderful job, Mom.” and gave me a nod.
I couldn’t reply – just nodded and smiled as my eyes welled up. I’ll never forget him.
Ever.
I hope so, too! But she’s right – they do look happy. Also, adorable, but that’s another compliment altogether, now, isn’t it?! What a lovely lady – glad she told you.
Yes, that’s the ticket 🙂