Dear Gentleman at the Playground,
Your adorable grandkids came running out of your truck towards the slightly damp playground as you followed behind. As you got closer, I’m sure it became obvious that the mom and two boys already on the top of the playground were not having a typical fun playground experience. I’m sure you could hear the yelling and crying as you approached the slides. I’m sure you could see the defeat in the mom’s eyes as you kindly asked if the boy was upset because the slide was wet and offered to dry it off. The mom reassured you that he had already done the slide once and that was likely not the problem. The truth is, the mom had no idea what set off the meltdown. One minute they were climbing up slides and spinning the ship wheels and the next, epic tears and yelling.
You graciously asked if their presence upset the boy and the mom reassured him that his grandchildren were not the problem. After several minutes of attempted soothing and comforting, the mom picked up the hysterical boy and carried him to the car with the younger boy trailing behind. Again, you offered to come back to the playground with your grandchildren at another time.
Maybe you saw the struggle to get the teary boy into his car seat, the mom speaking in soft tones and singing his favorite songs. Maybe you saw the mom close the car door and give way to the tears in her own eyes before opening the car door and trying once again to maneuver the boy into his car seat. Maybe you saw the mom on the phone calling for help and after several minutes maybe you saw the girl’s mom drive up and allow the mom to be a little girl again because her own mom was now here. After several minutes you saw the girl’s mom get him into a car seat and both cars drive off.
I’m not sure what you thought as you helped your granddaughter climb the rock wall and listened to the struggle, but I know what I felt from you. I felt kindness. I felt compassion. I felt curiosity. I felt concern. Most of all, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel judgement.
Mr Gentleman at the Playground, I don’t know you, but I appreciate you. I wish I could explain our situation to you, but most of all, I wish I could tell you thank you for being kind.
Sincerely,
The Mom at the Playground
❤️❤️❤️
I love this and feel this so much. Thank you for sharing. It helps me not feel so alone.
Well, your comment encouraged me too. Thankful we can walk this journey together.
Sarah, you are such a great Mommy ~ hand-picked by God for both of your boys. I am so thankful you still have your Mom ~ and so close by ~ to help you when things get too tough, as they do for all Moms. God hand-picked her for all of you ~ kids and grands. I’m so proud of you and the family you and Wes have created. ❤️
Sarah you are such a good Mommy. You were hand picked by God for your precious family. Your Mom has always been a blessing to so many. Love you all more than you know and think of you often.
love this
Beautifully said. You gave your mom such a gift by letting her rescue you. The need to make our children stop hurting grows as the grow. You’re both very special moms. I love you and Iso respect the way you’re walking this walk. Your sharing must be so comforting for other moms going through similar challenges. Not everyone can find the words to express their feelings. I’m sure you speak for so many.
Great content! Keep up the good work!