There was this moment in time yesterday, that I’m still thinking
about.
I was at Kaiser pharmacy ready to pick up my prescription. The
entire pharmacy was busy and I could hear quiet chattering all
around the room. Each line had several people waiting. Things
were moving quickly though. Perhaps this was just a typical busy
Monday morning.
Soon I notice what looked like a young mom come in with her little
daughter who I’m guessing was about 6 or 7 years old. I noticed
them because the daughter was in front of her and the mom had her
arms wrapped tightly around her…both facing forward, and
walking in this way.
This cute little girl with blonde pigtails was making continual
screams and screeching and crying sounds. Horrible, sad, and loud
sounds.
All the while the mom was smiling as they both made their way to
the very front of the line where a pharmacist was waiting to give
her their prescription. No waiting in line like the rest of us.
The mom never took her tight body hold off her daughter. And the
daughter made no effort at all to escape that embrace. Clearly this
was not the reason for her crying.
I sensed this mom had special permission because of their
circumstances to be served as soon as they entered the pharmacy
door.
I also sensed the mom was smiling as if to say to all of us in that
room, “Please forgive us for making so much noise and for cutting
in the line. This is our life and we’re doing the best we can.”
All the other customers in that room seemed now to be quiet. I
think just about all eyes were on this mom and her daughter. I
wasn’t sure at first what that meant. Were they annoyed by them?
The little girl continued to wail and screech and cry. The Mom
continued to smile. I probably was not the only one with tears in
my eyes….thinking of this courageous mom and the suffering they
undoubtedly go through every day.
The little girl, I’m guessing, has autism.
I thought of all the many many families who go through similar
situations every single day.
I was hoping the quiet in the room was respect towards this Mom,
although I wasn’t sure. I was a little afraid someone might say
something mean to her.
I continued to be in awe by the Mom. I could not get over that
smile on the her face through all of this.
After the mom got the meds, I watched as she turned around and
headed towards the door. I felt this huge need to go up to her and
tell her what a great mom she was.
But several others did this for me.
I watched someone give her a thumbs up. I heard someone else in
the small crowd say to them, “God bless you.” and I heard another
customer say, “You are such a good mom! Bless you!”
I’m certain this is NOT the reaction this struggling Mom always
gets. I’m sure she has received many less than loving reactions.
Several hours later it was time for my bookclub with the
neighborhood ladies. Our discussion ventured into Christianity and
how “many people are turning away from God these days.”
I thought back to earlier in the day and the goodness I got to see. I
couldn’t help but think….whether they believe in Christ or not,
does not change the fact that we are all made in His image.
All the goodness in this world, comes from Him.
3 comments:
What a great story. I'm glad that mom was given some encouraging reactions.
What a wonderful experience that must have been for you to witness! Thank you for sharing it!
okay that made me cry! What a brave momma and I'm so glad people were nice and encouraging to her! There is still a lot of good in this world!
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