When it comes to strangers I can typically brush it off... I mean the dirty looks, the rude comments, the bad hand gestures. I know I'm doing the best I can. If they don't get that, well then it is their problem and I won't make it mine. Maybe they've had a bad day or they're going through something, whatever.
I'm better at brushing it off some days more than others. The other day at Costco my daughter was her typical self: touching everything (sometimes with her mouth), babbling-consonant-sounds-not-typical-for-her-age... behavior I am used to. But "Miss Wide Eyes" was not used to this behavior and made it apparent that she was disgusted. I hurried out as fast as I could, ignoring my son's requests for a churro and sat in the car and cried.
She will go home and not give it another thought, or maybe she'll tell people about the "gross thing" she saw at Costco, but I let it ruin my day. I'm not sure why I do that or why I sometimes can't just shake it off... like I said, some days are better than others.
My life will go on. I will continue to see all the good that comes with the bad. I will appreciate the consonant sounds from my child for the beauty they are. I will love the movement and touching coming from a child who was once confined to a bed. I can get up in the morning and know that everyday there are miracles, every day life changes, every day there is good and there is bad, and I will choose to look for the good.
Think of how many people you can affect. A smile, a kind word, an understanding look... these things can make such a difference. As a woman who knows that some days are better than others, I hope that the people I come in contact with are better for it, or at least that I don't ruin their day.
5 comments:
I find it always important to give a sympathetic look or a supportive smile to a mom that's having a bad day, whether it is a melt down happening in public or she's managing to carry 2 babies at once plus groceries at the store.
We've been there, we remember, SUPPORT each other, don't judge!
Good post.
I've learned even the ones who react as she did end up being affected in a positive way. When she talks about what she saw and experienced, someone else is going to point out her reaction. It might not affect her now, but it will sometime in the future.
ITM, the pre-SLP in me is cheering those consonant babbling sounds, too! WOOT!
Wish I were there to give you a hug with skin on it.
You've given me something to think about. I am usually the recipient of various sort of comments on having so many young children with me all the time. I could really be more proactive and positive toward others first and shape our experience...now only if I weren't so busy trying to keep them all in line! :)
XOXO Somer!
Thanks Sommer!!! I am constantly amazed at the nerve people have and over joyed by the kind actions because they are few and far between. Tonight my little Guy touched a stranger and to him it was nothing but to me it was huge. We never know how we can affect someones life. Thanks for the thoughts and insiration to make sure I am doing good.
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