Remember This When You Aren't a Young Parent Anymore

This is a note to myself in the distant future; when the fear of airports, groceries, Dr. offices, and even just lines in general is not an everyday burden or thought as to when (not if) my child will melt down.  I have recently come to notice the kindness of folks who have been in the trenches before me, it may have been 20 or more years since they had a child as young as mine, but they must recall how terrifying it is to have you child act up when the grocery line is longer than the cup of cereal that you brought. On a solo plane trip last month, a feat on its own with a toddler, I sat next to the nicest man, who immediately reacted as a distractor when my son became bored with the 2 hour flight.  By the end of it, my little charmer was in this guy's lap, sharing his prepackaged flight food and gazing out the window.  Last week at the commissary, the line was going to be at least 20 minutes (NEVER go the Friday before a holiday, duh), and we were due for lunch and a nap during this wait time.  The man in line behind me and the lady in front, tag teamed as additional entertainment, when the snack cup was repeatedly thrown at my head and I was contemplating putting the frozen items away and jetting off. I know we live in a world of 'stranger danger' and lord knows my child has none the slightest fear of strangers, both of which should terrify me. Yet, I find that the kindness of these folks is a blessing, where I know they were once in my shoes or can possibly smell the fear emanating off of me as they choose to help out.  I just can't say that I find these folks as scary or annoying, just a godsend in a time when we are at our most harried. This I want to pay forward.