The other day I was at the grocery store. I had Brynlee with me because she's cutting teeth and it's easier of everyone if she is with me. The shopping went well. I was proud of all that I got while still under budget and the baby was great! (I found a box of name brand juice boxes, our favorite flavor, for .89 a box. I was proud of that.) Well I made my way to checkout and the lines were all about the same length so I jumped in behind someone and waited. When I was about to start unloading I heard someone grumbling about the fact the all the lines were long and of course they got in line right behind me. I hate grumpy people in the grocery store!
I started unloading and the man behind me (the grumbling one) offered to help me unload because I was holding the baby. My opinion of him soared and I was pretty impressed.
This is how our conversation went.
The man: "Do you need some help unloading? I'm sure my wife would be willing to help (jokingly)"
Me: No I think I've got it. They're moving pretty slow in front of me but thanks so much. It's rare to have someone willing to help.
The man: Yeah, with the baby and all I thought you might like some.
me: Thanks. (I'm almost done unloading now) I only have one kid with me today. On the days that I have all four of my kids with me, now that's really when I need the help. (Smiling)
The man: 4? Wow! I feel sorry for you.
Me:(I turned to put up the last couple of items and to think about what he just said) Well, they are hard, especially in the grocery store but they are also a ton of fun. I love it!
The man: Oh, in a few years, looking back on it you will wish you had it to do over.
Me: (Confused again so I acted like I misunderstood him) Yeah, I already wish I could turn back a couple years. My oldest is in Kindergarten and I wish I could still have him home with me all the time. They grow so fast. I miss him during the day.
He then just stared at me and it was my turn to check out so I moved on but what was he trying to say? Was he thinking that I would regret being a mom? That someday I would wish that I hadn't had this experience? I LOVE being a mom!!! Last night was one of the hardest nights I've had lately because of fits and crazy kids but the hugs and kisses made up for all the craziness. I understand that the older my kids get, they may not like me as much but I know, without a doubt, that I will always love them and I will always be glad that they are mine and that Heavenly Father trusted me enough to allow me to have these 4 amazing children.
All I can say for that man is that I hope that something I said to him will make him rethink his opinion of parenthood.
I am still shocked! I wanted to say don't feel sorry for me. You're the one I feel sorry for!
8 is great! Happy birthday Cole!
6 years ago
Back in the day I committed to saying to people (weirdly enough, usually in the grocery store) who made comments (often accompanied with a head shake) about "my hands being full" ... I would say "yes my hands are full, and so is my heart". First of all it's true, and 2nd, I didn't want my kids thinking they were unwanted, unloved and a pain in the neck. I love being a mom too! I have to remind myself of that often these days (teens are a different animal. Whew, people thought my hands were full when they were little. They should see me now, ha!;)
ReplyDeleteGood replies to such weird-o comments. Maybe his mom said she regretted her choices. Ha!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Happy Mother's Day! I've been thinking of your family a lot lately and hope all is well!
Don't you just love judgmental people? I love watching their faces when my response to people telling me that I have my hands full that I can't wait to have more! I love it! I think, sadly, nowadays having more than 2 kids is just an oddity and it is so sad. It wasn't that long ago that families were bigger, moms were home, and the idea of big families wasn't "irresponsible". I can't imagine not having the siblings I grew up with and can't imagine life with less kids. The more that come, that much more love seems to fill our home.
ReplyDeleteLynse, I'm so glad I just found your blog! :) (found it through the Tripps')
ReplyDeleteYou are officially one of the mommies who gives Mommyhood a good name :D Thanks for sharing that story--you rock.
P.S. I just saw that you already had my blog--how am i so slow?? Needless to say, i'm happy i now have yours, ha!
ReplyDelete