Dear Lady in Walmart with the super nice clothes, annoyed expression and tappy foot,
I did not appreciate you tapping your foot while I was explaining to my toddler that the cashier would give her the finger nail polish right back.
I did not appreciate your annoyed expression when the cashier said "Hello again! Another cart full tonight?" and then when I replied "Yes, these groceries are for me, the others were for work."
I did not appreciate your exquisetly outlined red lips being pursed as you glanced at me.
I did not appreciate the way you were brushing your jacket lapel and glancing at us as we tried to hurry.
The tears were on the edge as my infant began to fuss in the car seat.
Your tappy foot got more tappy.
You even sighed once.
Inconveniencing people is one of the things that worry me the most, being a bother to others is something I go out of my way to avoid.
So as my toddler was lifted out of the cart so the last bag could be placed in and I reminded her for the third time to "hold on tightly to the cart because there are lots of cars in the parking lot" I was surprised by you.
You put a hand on my elbow, saying very gently and quietly "I remember those days. It gets easier."
Then you smiled a genuinely kind smile.
I am not sure if your tappy foot and annoyed red pouty lips were a figment of my imagination but I am 85% sure your words were not imagined.
I appreciate you now. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mom who will keep her own tappy foot in check
