Rewind to Friday afternoon...
My girls were off school on Friday, for "fall break." I had plans to take them to our favorite local farm market to choose our family pumpkins. With five kiddos in tow, nothing is done fast or easy so we finally got out of the house at nearly 1pm. During the short drive to the market, my kids all chattered happily amongst themselves. They were so excited to shop for pumpkins, and they were trying to decide exactly what they wanted. I enjoy this back seat dialog (most of the time) because it is genuine sibling interaction.
When we arrived at the market, my kids jumped from the car and ran as if the building was made of candy! Their eyes were immediately drawn to the giant pumpkins near the entrance. Steven yelled "I want one of these!"
It didn't take them long to choose the 2 large family pumpkins, and 6 smaller decorative gourds. At the counter I allowed the older 4 to each choose a piece of candy. I wish I had gotten the girls name at the counter because she absolutely made my day. She was young, possibly high school but most likely college age. She took the time to interact with each of my children individually, instead of scoffing at the sight of one of "those" families with so many children. She smiled at their excitement and was genuinely interested in their selections.
After paying, we loaded everything into our van (with the help of the nice girl), and I got everyone buckled in their seats. The children were eager to try their candy, but Allie and Steven quickly decided they didn't like what they chose. I went back inside and laid 2 new suckers on the counter. I smiled and told the nice girl that a couple of the children didn't like their original selections. She smiled sweetly and said, "You are an amazing mom."
Now, this girl has never met us and we might never get the chance to see her again. But with a few kind words, she had the power to alter my day. I don't feel like an amazing mom, but a mom who tries her best to make her children happy. I tend to get a little antsy taking all 5 children out in public despite the fact that they are typically very well-behaved. This is my own personal challenge that I'm still working on. Perhaps she sensed my tension, or she was just a genuinely kind soul. Either way, this nice girl had an effect on a strangers day and she doesn't even realize it.
Never underestimate the power of a smile, a few kind words, holding a door for someone, and other small acts of kindness :)
