One random encounter that’s always stayed with me happened in the most ordinary place—a grocery store parking lot. I was rushing, juggling kids, bags, and my patience, when one of those “everything is slipping out of your hands” moments hit. Out of nowhere, a woman—probably in her 60s—walked up, smiled, and said, “Breathe, mama. You’re doing just fine.” Then she helped me load my groceries, talked to my kids like they were the most important little humans on earth, and hugged me before she left.
She didn’t know me. Didn’t owe me anything. But in that moment, she saw me. Not just the chaos, but me. And that little act of kindness felt like someone had wrapped me in a warm blanket of understanding. I never got her name, but her words stuck. Sometimes, it takes just one gentle reminder from a stranger to keep you going.
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