Ready, Set, Remember

I’m usually not your usual crunchy, airy-fairy, pollyanna, sock ‘n sandals, peace, love, & granola type of do-unto-others self. In fact, I hated Eat, Pray, Love so much, I wanted to hit the author in the head with a shovel. But that’s just me.

However, something extraordinary happened in the midst of the Thanksgiving rush that took my breath away.

Swamped with a cart heaping with cheese, fruit, butter, eggs, tons of veggies, flour, yeast, a frozen 25 lb. bird, cream, and yes, brussel sprouts, I navigated the crowded grocery store easily because I was, happily, kid free. Everybody at school, work flexible to shop mid-day, with time to spare to eat free samples.

I couldn’t help but notice all the young moms juggling babies in carseats, toddlers tackling displays, lost, crumpled to-do lists, babies and toddlers with tired moms spilling coffee and looking frazzled. A massive, full-blown temper tantrum by a kid at the lobster tank sealed the deal.

As I headed for a speedy-looking check-out line, an older – much, much older – meticulously dressed woman was watching me. She smiled at the abundance of my shopping and said,

I smiled and admitted, ‘yes we are,’ and she smiled, knowingly.

She happily wished me a Happy Thanksgiving, and walked away. She was happy, but I started to cry.