Reflections

Yesterday, I had several things on my "to do" list. I has hosting a Partylite candle party at 7 pm. That meant all the regular weekend "things" had to be done and cleaned up by that time. I had gone to Wegmans Friday night, so groceries were out of the way. The van needed an oil change and I wanted it done as early in the day as possible. Mostly, so that I could guarantee to be home for lunch and Kian's nap. Funny how we try to plan things, right?

The earliest I could get in for the oil change was at 10 am. I was there by 10, on the dot. The young, sort of scruffy automotive guy was very friendly, verging on flirty with me. Even with my child in the stroller. It was flattering, to be honest. He told me it'd be about an hour. That was fine, I planned on walking around the farmer's market and dollar store, etc. While at the market we bought some tomatoes (Kian called them apples) and pears (also called apples). The tomato man complimented on how well Kian sat in the stroller and how calm he was. He was being his typical self, observing, saying hi here and there; he's always "good".

Shortly before the hour was up, we made our way back to Monro. I was told that the van was 'almost ready'. I should have known then and there. Kian sat in the stroller for a bit and was fine talking to me and looking around. Then, they told me I should have the air filter replaced, yada yada, this is the price, and so on. I said fine, just do it. Of course that will take a bit longer. I let Kian out of the stroller in the tiny waiting room. There was a coffee maker, some magazines, and 4 chairs. A man was reading and waiting there also. Kian went right up to him to make friends. He said hi, was showing him his shoes, and who knows what else. I didn't want Kian to bother him, but the man said he was fine, entertaining and it had been awhile since he's been around young ones. I found some Field & Stream magazines to keep Kian entertained, because they're full of animals of course! But, Kian thought it was more fun to show the man all the moose and deer and bears. He was great and talked with Kian on which one had big antlers, etc.

But, that gets old after awhile too. An older woman came in and complimented us on how cute Kian was, how sweet, and how 'good' and smart he was. He talked to her for a bit as well. Now, by this time it's well after 11 am. It's his nap time and he's hungry for lunch, since breakfast was at 8 am. He's starting to wear out. Another older couple came in and were waiting and talking to the automotive guys. I was starting to go through my invisible list of gadgets and tricks to keep Kian entertained. The keys were boring. Oh, but the pen, that was fun. Good thing there was plenty of real estate brochures for him to write on. But, when the pen started going on the furniture, table, wall, it had to go back in the purse. That was the first "upset" we had so far that morning.

I remembered the pears we just bought. But they might be dirty right? While no one was looking I spit on it and wiped it with my sleeve. That should help a bit, shouldn't it? The pear was a big hit. I'm sure you know as well as I do, that once you're a parent, caring about what other think, and, at times dignity, goes out the window. I was pointing out lots of random objects and drawing silly things for Kian to be entertained by. The older couple was on the way out the door when the gentleman stopped next to me and said "You have a patient child, and a patient child always means a patient mother and it is such a pleasure to see". It took me a second to sink it and caught me by surprise, but made me feel so good. I just said my thanks and he went on out the door.

I continued on my antics and entertainment, as they then told me they accidentally broke my headlight and would be replacing it. It would be just a bit longer and I'd be set to go. Of course the replacement was free! Kian might have almost called China on my cell phone, I might have had to take him outside to run on the sidewalk for a few minutes before it was all over, but he didn't have a meltdown. There was no blood-curdling screams, no throwing his head on the cement floors. So, he did fine and we survived.

On the drive home I kept thinking about what the older gentleman had said to me. Seeing all the families, parental units I see at work each day, I know there are not many patient parents, there are not many empathetic parents, there are lots of tired parents, and uneducated parents as well. Maybe I was the first he'd seen that day? But, no, I think he's old enough to have seen a multitude of parents with young children in his day. He was genuinely complimenting me and impressed by me, my actions and my child.

It made me feel good. To know that someone else could see what I strive for each day, each minute. To not just see it, but to let me know and boost my confidence. My child isn't old enough to tell me he appreciates me, he tries in his little way to let me know though. And I think about how much I worry about my child being a "sponge", soaking up everything Kevin and I do. I make sure we speak properly, limit the bodily functions (mainly Kevin's) use good manners, etc. I've been obsessing about him soaking up the bad things, that I've forgotten sponges can soak up the good things too! And, not only can he be a sponge, but he can be a mirror and reflect our good morals, values, manners, etc. Bless that man for being a blessing to me.