I'm so happy to say that school is back in session. For all of you moms of preschoolers, you know how I feel! Lucas has missed his friends and missed the routine offered by going to school every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. So today while Lucas was busy catching up with friends, learning songs about cars and eating snack, I went to the mall with Kathryn and Ava to return a few items and hit some sales.
I just love the after Christmas sales. I know that I'm a few days late or maybe even a week late, but the stores are just as desperate now as ever to move merchandise and I was happy to oblige with my gift cards. Kohls had some great prices including clearance 60-80% off! I found a couple things for Ava at amazing prices! My hands are now berry sweet, compliments of soap at Bath and Body Works that cost me $2.50!!
So while we were leaving the mall, a sweet older man, probably in his 80s, stopped to talk to Ava. I've gotten used to the attention my kids get when we go out. Most everyone loves babies, and I love that my kids can brighten someone's day with a drool-filled smile or a quick wave. So this man begins asking Ava the usual questions, such as "what's your name? and how old are you?", which I of course answer, since she's only 5 months old and can't talk. It was really sweet. But he did throw me off by asking if she was a boy or girl. I get it that she doesn't have any hair, but the girl was decked out in pink from head to toe! Anyway, when I answered that Ava was out shopping to the question "what are you doing today?", this kind old man pulled out his change wallet and started fishing around. I didn't know what he was doing, but he searched around and pulled out a dime saying "Maybe I can help; take this home and put it in your piggy bank!".
How precious! Ava kept on looking at him with her big baby blues while I said thanks. Kathryn and I left talking about that man and now I can't get him off of my mind. First, what a kind and thoughtful man. How often do I pass people by and not even look them in the eye because I am so consumed with myself. But he stopped and engaged us in conversation. Not in a weird, uncomfortable way, but in a I can't help but talk to you and bless you kind of way. I don't know this man, I don't even know his name, but I have to wonder if he has grand (or maybe great-grand) children that he gets to spend time with, or wishes that he does.
I know that we are in the winter months, aka "flu season", so you have to be careful with your kids, but I also know that there are a lot of elderly people who haven't held or even cooed at a baby in a long time. My children have the ability to turn my mood around with an infectious giggle or a well-placed hug, so I'm happy to share that with strangers. Children, in all of their innocence and joy, manifest a part of God that we adults too often miss. For a brief second, their smiles can light up a room and maybe even a darkened heart.
I just love the after Christmas sales. I know that I'm a few days late or maybe even a week late, but the stores are just as desperate now as ever to move merchandise and I was happy to oblige with my gift cards. Kohls had some great prices including clearance 60-80% off! I found a couple things for Ava at amazing prices! My hands are now berry sweet, compliments of soap at Bath and Body Works that cost me $2.50!!
So while we were leaving the mall, a sweet older man, probably in his 80s, stopped to talk to Ava. I've gotten used to the attention my kids get when we go out. Most everyone loves babies, and I love that my kids can brighten someone's day with a drool-filled smile or a quick wave. So this man begins asking Ava the usual questions, such as "what's your name? and how old are you?", which I of course answer, since she's only 5 months old and can't talk. It was really sweet. But he did throw me off by asking if she was a boy or girl. I get it that she doesn't have any hair, but the girl was decked out in pink from head to toe! Anyway, when I answered that Ava was out shopping to the question "what are you doing today?", this kind old man pulled out his change wallet and started fishing around. I didn't know what he was doing, but he searched around and pulled out a dime saying "Maybe I can help; take this home and put it in your piggy bank!".
How precious! Ava kept on looking at him with her big baby blues while I said thanks. Kathryn and I left talking about that man and now I can't get him off of my mind. First, what a kind and thoughtful man. How often do I pass people by and not even look them in the eye because I am so consumed with myself. But he stopped and engaged us in conversation. Not in a weird, uncomfortable way, but in a I can't help but talk to you and bless you kind of way. I don't know this man, I don't even know his name, but I have to wonder if he has grand (or maybe great-grand) children that he gets to spend time with, or wishes that he does.
I know that we are in the winter months, aka "flu season", so you have to be careful with your kids, but I also know that there are a lot of elderly people who haven't held or even cooed at a baby in a long time. My children have the ability to turn my mood around with an infectious giggle or a well-placed hug, so I'm happy to share that with strangers. Children, in all of their innocence and joy, manifest a part of God that we adults too often miss. For a brief second, their smiles can light up a room and maybe even a darkened heart.
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