Disclaimer: Not a posting about my children or one detailing our latest family outing. Just a post for me to have bound in a book!
Background:
1. Our family is usually gawked at when we go out, even more when I am by myself. I know, I have twins and my children total 5!
2. I hate it when people come up and talk to me when I am out. I am not the type to chat with the cashier or talk to someone buying the same cake mix that I am at Walmart.
3. I hate it even more when people want to talk to me about #1!
Then, last week I took the kids to Bounce Spot to get some energy out. I was unpacking them out of the car when a man who was taking a break from work came up and asked me if this place was any fun. I usually answer questions quickly, but I didn't. Instead I told him about it and why we liked coming here. For some reason, this started him into a monologue. He told me how he had two boys and one they thought was autistic. How they had taken him everywhere to get evaluated and his son didn't seem to fit into a specific category but all the places agreed he needed help. This led to a conversation where I told him briefly about Bailey and how everything he was saying about his 4 year old little boy was exactly where we were 4 years ago.
The man looked at me and told me he just didn't know what to do. I knew that feeling all too well. I told him what we had done and explained that he would have to find what clicked for his son. I told him he would learn patience and understanding and that he would know what was best for his child. He said a very heartfelt thank you before he walked back to his office building.
I thought about our conversation on the way home and realized that if I had not been friendly, if I had been short and not wanted to chat, I would have missed that opportunity to help someone. I love when things all come together, and I then thought about a sharing time in Primary one of the teachers had given about the life of Christ and the service he gave to everyone. She said that Christ never said I'm sorry, I'm just too busy to help or Can't you see I have my own problems right now? He just served others all the time. I never thought being out of my way kind to people in public was exactly service, but this event showed me otherwise. It wasn't anything huge, but most likely just a small encouragement that this man may have needed at the time.
And so I decided that when I am out and someone wants to make a comment or have a short conversation, I will now participate. Today, I was excited that my new found errand personality was rewarded. At Sam's club, amid the stares and whispers while the kids and I munched on lunch, a woman came up to me and asked if all five were mine. I told her Yes! (and I even did it happily and with a smile AND eye contact) She told me that she had 8 children and that Christmas was so much fun when they all came with all of their children to her house. She also added that I should never get divorced because it would be hard to find a man to take in all my children! OK, so that was a weird comment, but the first part was very kind. And I have to take the odd with the good. While piling the groceries and kids into the car in the parking lot (while it is starting to sprinkle!), another woman came up and asked if all of these children were mine. Again, I did not mumble or say "uh-huh" and move along, but told her yes, they were and smiled (oh my goodness, who am I?!) She said that she had a lot of children close together and it was so nice to see someone else with a large family. I asked if she got freak show looks and she laughed and told me how with her she always compared it to a spotlight following you around the store! We laughed with each other for a minute and then went our separate ways.
I am not one for New Year's Resolutions, but since this started before the new year I am OK with it! Bring on the "your hands are full," "busy momma!" "oh my goodness, twins," "don't you know how that happens?" comments. I am ready for you.
