I watched her anxiously glance around the airport restroom, pushing her heavy stroller laden with backpacks, bags, and two crying babes. She seemed panicked. Like the little people in her care weren’t going to make it. Or maybe she wasn’t going to make it. She pushed open stall door after stall door, shaking her head as she went down the line.
Realizing that her search had to be for a changing table, I motioned her to the very end of the room where a dinged up door had a barely visible scratched-up sticker of a mama and baby. She broke into an appreciative grin, nodding and bobbing her head up and down, words pouring forth from her mouth in a language I couldn’t understand. But the smile and warmth from her eyes told me everything I needed to know.
She was a mama in need who was grateful for a mama in the know.
It didn’t matter that she didn’t speak English. Nor did it matter that I didn’t speak Portuguese (or at least I think it was Portuguese). For in that moment, we were a team. Two travel-weary moms looking for one feasible practical solution. Watching out for each other. Demonstrating that we had each other’s backs.
And so we do. {As all the moms high-five and clink their travel coffee mugs together.}
Whether we know each other or not, we can recognize a fellow mom in need. Call it Universal Mom Speak or our internal Global Mom Connection. We seem to sense when another mother needs a helping hand. If we see a little person struggling to reach a bathroom paper towel and their mama’s hands are full, we’re quick to assist.
Spilled juice in a restaurant? Just watch all the moms jump up from their seats to gather every available napkin in the vicinity and then get on their hands and knees on that sticky icky restaurant floor to assist in wiping up the mess.
Or you’re at the park and another mom’s little one falls off the monkey bars into a pile of prickly bark chips and fresh blood. Our ninja-like mama skills automatically kick into gear and appear on the scene with a First Aid kit and ice pack.
We instinctively look for ways to support each other.
Because we’re in this together.
For better or for messy, we belong to Team Motherhood. We can’t help it. It’s our natural nurturing maternal sensors. We smile at pregnant mamas, grin at babies, and mechanically say “uh oh” when we see someone else’s toddler trip and fall. Whether we know them or not!
Traveling mamas — Will tell you which terminal the best airport Kid Zones are located in. They know the coolest parks, the cleanest restrooms, and the kid-friendly restaurants (with sturdy changing tables!!).
Homeschooling mamas — Are quick to share curriculum suggestions, scheduling tips, state educational requirements, and age-appropriate field trips ideas.
Working mamas — Chat openly about juggling work and school (or day care), mama guilt, carving out time for family activities, and never having enough hours in the day.
Whatever the season, whatever the situation, moms love to share what they know.
And why do we do this?
Because we serve a creative God who has wired us to help and encourage one another. Isn’t it awesome?! Plus God knows we need every bit of assistance and support we can get. (Amen?)
So whether you’re in search of a changing table or looking for an idyllic hiking spot, share your quandaries and questions with your fellow moms today.
Because we need each other.
And little lives (or little bottoms) just might be at stake.
Please share this post with all your gal pals today and let them know how much you appreciate them.
Anne-Renee Gumley
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