We went to Galveston this weekend to visit family. It. Was. Fab. I'll post pics later.
About 4 hours into our 6 hours trek home, Baby Boy woke up sCrEaMiNg...Like blood curdling, something's wrong, kind of cries. We pulled over to the next gas station and I took him inside to change his diaper. He was still screaming. I'm 99% sure he had gas, so there was really nothing I could do to help the poor little guy.
Anywhoo...Other ladies were going in and out of the bathroom as I change him in the stall. All the while, I'm humming to him, shhhing, saying "You're ok," on and on...Partly to try to calm him down and partly to assure outsiders that I am not in fact torturing my son. (though it sure sounded like it)
Ross was waiting for us outside the bathroom and two ladies walked out past him. One said to the other, "Has saying "you're ok" one million times to a baby EVER fixed anything?" Ross bit his lip and silently asked God for patience so that he didn't go off on this lady. And just then, the rude lady drops her purse on the gas station floor and all of her belongings roll everywhere...just picking up the nasty, filthy germs. Bwahahahaha. We win. Good one, God...That's some funny stuff!
I told Ross that he should have turned to her and said, "Shhhhh...You're ok," after everything spilled.
The whole deal had me thinking about my parenting the remainder of the ride home. Could I have done something better in that situation? Was I doing something wrong? Should I just stand there and not try to comfort my crying, sweet, helpless baby boy? My answer: No. I did exactly what was right for our family in that situation. I am, through and through, a nurturer for my son. If he is hurting, or sad, or hungry, or whatever, I am going to do my darndest to fix it! And, in this situation, that meant to change his diaper and tell him "you're ok" a million times. (so shut up, lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
The other thing that it made me consider was my attitude toward other parents. I am not innocent in this at all. I am super judgmental of other parents in public. I mean, I don't tell them anything, but I certainly do think it and talk to Ross about it. I need to step back and realize that every family is different. Different strategies are right for some and not for others. I need not judge. I need to have a soft heart and be compassionate because they too, are probably doing their darndest to fix it.
2 comments:
Oh I would have loved for him to kneel down and while helping her pick up her stuff say,"Shhhh, it's ok really." So funny. :) It's funny how quick we are to judge when really we are all just human and do whatever it takes in the moment to help our kiddos feel better when they are little and helpless. That lady must have been having a "mean moment." Or she never had kids.
So, slow on the reading this, but I love it! Working at a teacher store, I get lots of kids with their parents, and daily I get asked, "Do you have kids? You must." Despite not having kids, I want to let you know, I do understand! Its no one's place but that family and I find if a citizen is willing to be patient and understanding, a situation calms quickly! I'm proud of you and super proud of Ross. God is amazing!
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