I know what you're thinking, this is a post complaining about the older generation of people. Quite the contrary. It isn't.
I went to the store last week, with all 3 children in tow. I'll be honest and let you all know that unless necessary, I try to avoid doing this. I will shop at midnight on a random weekday before trying to take all 3 of mine out. It's not that it's an inconvenience. It's not. It's just that with 3 so close in age, they can gang up on me make me feel overwhelmed. I have one who LOVES to help Mommy do the shopping. One that refuses to ride in the cart anymore. One that will ride in the cart, but ONLY if she can have a make-up compact or iPod to play with. It can get very draining, especially if you're trying to purchase enough food to last for 2 weeks. Even with a list, I always forget something. So, I've taken to shopping late at night. Alone. In quiet.
Last week though, I ran to my favorite Kroger Marketplace. All three of the kids were with me and it was nearing lunch/nap time. Yes, they were unusually cranky and naughty while in the store. I was practically running walking quickly through the store to get what we needed. Two of the three were running away and I was constantly saying "Come here please. Put your hand on the cart please." Still, no listening. In a futile effort, I grabbed what we needed and headed for the check lanes. It was there that total chaos broke loose. They started begging for M&M's (I'm not above bribing in certain circumstances and they know this. Ugh!). After repeatedly saying "no" to their questions, I started to get flustered and lose my patience. It was then the nicest little old lady got in line behind me. She took one look at me and said "Oh honey, just let them have it. Too soon they will be grown and gone and then you will have no one to buy M&M's for." For some reason that struck a chord with me. I smiled and said something like "It's been a looong morning." She smiled and said "They look very close in age. Mine were too. Trust me when I say you'll wish they could stay like this forever. Cherish it honey. They grow so fast!"
It was right then I picked up 3 full-sized packages of M&M's and paid for them. Handed each of my kids a package and watched as their eyes lit up! So, THANK YOU to the lady who got behind me in line at Kroger. Thank you for reminding me that I may get flustered. I may get impatient. I may even want Calgon to "take me away". In the end though, she was right. Next time they may not get the full pack of M&M's, but then again, maybe they will...
Boy was she right. mine are all grown up and I wish I could go back in time when they was little. they do grow up to fast before you know it there gone and I remember laying on my son bed after he left for Air Force and held his blanket and cryed for week. Empty Nest syndrome. Then before I knew it my girls were gone. So enjoy them while you can.
ReplyDeleteBoy was she right. mine are all grown up and I wish I could go back in time when they was little. they do grow up to fast before you know it there gone and I remember laying on my son bed after he left for Air Force and held his blanket and cryed for week. Empty Nest syndrome. Then before I knew it my girls were gone. So enjoy them while you can.
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