To The Lady at the Dollar Store
Posted on: November 15, 2015 | Birth Stories, Misc.
It was an average Saturday. My toddler got himself dressed, which usually means the outfit may or may not match, no socks, and sandals on the wrong feet. In his excitement to get outside to play with his new friends he does not care what he looks like and neither do I. I am so overjoyed that this move has been a blessing for my family. My kids absolutely love the new friends they have made and play every chance they get.
On this particular Saturday, I was packing for our upcoming vacation. I had decided this one was going to be different and instead of my usual hustle the night before we leave, I was going to prepare ahead of time. In doing this I had discovered that a few of the kids were sorely lacking in pants. Sure they had “play” sweats and pajama pants, but hardly any “real” pants. Also, my husband had recently lost weight and needed some new shorts. All of this led to my decision to go shopping.
Everyone decided to go with me on this trip. Well, I may have dragged them along so they could try the pants on, but that has yet to be determined. We were in our second store when the previously mentioned toddler decided he had to go potty and absolutely could not wait. He was of course still dressed in the outfit of his choosing, remember that meant sandals (in November in Illinois) and he had left his coat in the car. As mom luck would have it, this store did not have a public bathroom and one of the other kids was in the dressing room.
My teenage son reluctantly took the toddler to the dollar store that was next door to ask to use their restroom. They also did not have a public bathroom, but allowed my boys to use the employee one. When they were getting ready to leave and come back to me, the employee who helped them was waiting.
She had a coat, hat, and socks in her hands and started to give them to the toddler. My teenager quickly explained that his coat was in the car and although he was grateful, it was unnecessary. I wasn’t aware of this until we got home, but I wanted to write her a letter…
To the lady at the dollar store,
I want to thank you for your kind heart. You thought my children were out walking in the cold and tried to help them. You were willing to buy my son a coat, hat, and clothes out of your own pocket to make sure he was warm enough. More than that, you tried to make sure my child was taken care of. The world needs more caring and thoughtful individuals like you. While my family was not in need of your services on this day, you did open my eyes to the fact that there is a need in our community. Because of your generosity, I have decided to keep extra winter gear in my car and if I come across a child walking and under-dressed, I will be following in your footsteps and offering them warmth and compassion. Thank you for being you.
Sincerely,
The crazy mom who lets her toddler dress himself
What a sweet and heartwarming story. Bless her heart and yours to.
That’s so sweet.