Supportive strangers

You served us at the grocery store. ⠀
You witnessed the tantrum, my offerings of potato chips that we hadn’t yet paid for and my eye rolls when she asked for a different coloured packet. ⠀
You didn’t tell me that I should have paid first, or hurry me, or give the “I would have done it differently” look. ⠀
You simply said “don’t worry, we’ve all been there”.⠀

You were in front of me in the shop queue. You witnessed me carrying too many things with one hand while trying to keep the pram moving and shush the crying passenger.
You didn’t pretend to be checking your phone, or suggest I go and get a trolley or give me the “control your child” look.⠀
You simply said “I know what that’s like, please go in front of me”.⠀

You were the barista at the coffee shop. You witnessed coffee spillage, the sugar sticks being thrown and the screen time bribery.⠀
You didn’t charge me for the second coffee, let me clean up the sugar sticks when I insisted or give me the “that’s lazy parenting” look.⠀
You simply said “I wish we had better technology in our day as parents, enjoy your coffee”.⠀

You were the older ladies I passed in the street. You witnessed me pushing an empty pram, carrying a kicking toddler and looking overwhelmed. ⠀
You didn’t avoid eye contact, exchange whispers or give each other the “should she be holding her child like that?” look.⠀
You simply smiled with your eyes into mine and said “we remember those days, trust us, tomorrow will be different”.⠀

You were on the aisle seat opposite me in the aeroplane.
You witnessed me trying to breastfeed awkwardly, walking up and down the aisle regularly and generally just trying everything to stop the baby crying. ⠀
You didn’t give me an angry stare, turn away from me in obvious protest or give me the “keep your baby quiet” look. ⠀
You simply lent over to me and whispered, “it’s ok, no one else is worried by it but you”.⠀

You are the strangers that make mothers feel supported every day.⠀
You are my people.