So no more pictures of the countdown. Why, you ask? Well, because after I completed #6 I made the dire mistake of leaving my craft area accessible to a 3yr old. Glitter, confetti, embossing powder and eyelets later… my fervor for the project (started WELL before Thanksgiving so I could get them done BEFORE 01 Dec 06) suddenly plumetted, never to return. So sorry for the disappointment, if there is any.
Target Today
On my way out of the Target parking lot I noticed a mom & little girl watching a pouting little boy. Couldn’t tell what was going on until they approached him and asked something. He got really hysterical and I realized he didn’t belong to them and must’ve been lost. Then a nice man approached cautiously, as not to scare the little fella (he’s probably 5), and tried to get him to explain what was going on. I rolled down my window to listen and see if I could help (there was also a guy in his truck stopped in front of me monitoring the situation; 4 extra adults altogether). As I was observing all the thoughts flew through my head…
1. Was he left on purpose like we’ve heard about other kids?
2. Did he get away from a kidnapper?
3. What is his mother/parent thinking right now; do they know he’s missing?
4. Is his mom playing a cruel joke on him because he’s been naughty and she wants to teach him a lesson?
5. What if that was my child – how anxious would I feel not being with them.
6. How scared he was to be alone with strangers trying to help.
7. Did something happen to his mom/parent and they can’t come get him because they’re unconscious?
Then I noticed the mom & grandma with his sibling getting out of their car just 2 stalls away from where he was standing (he was at least on an island by the entrance crosswalk). The moms head whipped around frantically all of a sudden noticing he wasn’t nearby. She called his name and started making her way around trying to see him (there was a truck blocking the line of sight). I felt in my chest her angst and panic; she wasn’t one of those irresponsible moms that doesn’t pay attention – this was obviously a rare occassion. The nice man stood up and motioned to her where he was. She bee-lined to him and squeezed the beegeebee’s outta the guy, holding onto him for a very long moment assuring him, comforting him and giving him time to settle down. She did NOT berate him or yell at him about staying near or getting too far away. She just held him tight. Really tight. Didn’t notice the 4 of us that were waiting around for him to be found – no acknowledgement or thanks. That’s how it should be. Her concern was for her son who was scared sick and not the strangers that were looking on.
A tear whelded up in my eyes thinking about my own kids and that situation. I imagine that my reaction would’ve been to tell them they should’ve listened and stayed by mom, not wandered away and that never to do that again. I would’ve been embarrassed to have made a scene and thanked/apologized to the strangers without considering my kids feelings.
Not now. I won’t react that way again. Thanks to that selfless woman I have been taught a valuable lesson of patience, peace and comfort. If not for her would I have learned that eventually? Maybe. But am I glad that I know it sooner than later? Definitely. I am not perfect nor profess to be. We all have our weaknesses and characteristics that need work. To be the best mom to my kids is my priority but kids didn’t come with an instruction booklet and warranty/service card to send them back if things don’t work out. Every kid is different. Every person is different. We cannot treat each other the same as the next guy. Everyone has strengths, weaknesses and talents. Especially me.
During this holiday season of reflecting on our Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray that we all will turn to Him in time of need to better ourselves and increase our relationship with Him and our Father in Heaven. May your testimony of Christ be strengthened as you feel His love in the many ways it comes.
{ 10 comments }
Ah Shannon, you are the best!
That was great. I’m glad the mother reacted with love and concern for her child and not for herself or the strangers around her. What a fantastic example. I am trying to start my 2007 New Year’s Resolution early which is to remember that my children actually have another Mother and Father and I should treat them accordingly. I am acting in Their stead here on earth and should not take that responsibility lightly. On this week’s agenda: No Yelling. And, man, has it been a challenge. Thanks for the great story and pep talk. I will start fresh tomorrow!
Shannon.. thank you for reminding us what we are doing with all the lights, presents, and wrappings.Although, I think I’d like to leave my 14 yr. old at Target. Maybe some nice nun would take her to the convent for about 6 years.
Thank you for that….a great perspective and reminder.
What an awesome Christmas story. Thanks for sharing Shannon! I’m glad that little boy was found and embraced by his mother.
It’s true that MOST of the time we are more concerned about what others think – Why is that? Really, why should we care so much about what total strangers think of us?
Beautifully written Shan.
*sniff*
You made me cry.That’s probably the most beautiful post I’ve ever read on your blog. Thanks for it–I’m off to a better start now.
What geo said.
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