The Lady

About 3 years ago, I was shopping at the grocery store, and a lady who was obviously frazzled with 2 young children stopped me in my tracks, and just unloaded on me. She turned to me and said, "you know, men are so lazy. They just sit around and don't do anything. They are good for nothing!! Here I am doing all the work, and he just sits at home!!" She was saying this as one of her children was trying to reach something off the shelf and whining for it, and she was wrestling the other child into the cart trying to get him to sit down and behave. I was SO caught off guard I did not know what to do. I said, "I am so sorry". (This actually was the second occasion I had run into that lady. I saw her once before at the grocery store and she said something else to me as well, but I can't remember how the conversation went. I remember it being a similar situation, though not as drastic as this time. She said something out of desperation about being overwhelmed.)



A couple days ago, Bob and I took Tayva to the playground. About 15 minutes after we were there, 2 young boys ran up on the equipment and started playing. Shortly after, their mom walked around the corner--and it was the lady from the grocery store! She was on her cell phone. Literally, they had been there for no more than 3 minutes, and the oldest boy peed his pants. She handled it very well, and told the younger boy they needed to leave to get the older boy some new pants etc. However, she then spent the next 10-15 minutes trying to get the older boy to come down from the playground equipment (he was up high were she couldn't physically reach him.) She threatened to leave him, and even walked to the car several times. Finally, he went to a different area where she could reach him, and she climbed onto the equipment and grabbed him, and took him to the car. She was so frustrated by the time she left--I can only imagine what that car ride home was like.



After she left, I told Bob about my experiences with her in the store. He noted that he thought she looked really "weathered". I don't know why I have crossed paths with this lady on 3 different occasions now, but I have to say, I have such deep sympathy for her. I told Bob that I am sure she is going home to a miserable environment. Who knows if her husband abuses her or what kind of life she lives. It seems as though she feels like she is going through life alone, and having to take care of 2 children all by herself.



The whole time we were at the park, 5 different sets of children came to the park with their moms--no dads were present. In that moment, I realized how blessed I am to have such an active husband. One who participates in our marriage, and the life of our daughter. He WANTS to be an active part of our lives. In that moment, I also felt deep, deep sorrow, for this lady in particular, but also for all the other women who feel like they are alone. I didn't feel judgemental one bit--just deep, deep sadness. I am sure that everyday is a struggle for these women. Everyday is a new battle--a battle that seems to never end. I think about that lady a lot. Like I said, I don't know why I have crossed paths with her 3 times, but maybe it is just to pray for her and her family. I have earnestly prayed for her several times. I don't know who she is, but I know her life is rough, and I pray for some form of relief for her.



Thank you Lord for my husband. Help me know how to reach out to these women--if even only to pray for them.