While waiting for our flight home, an older man with a cross necklace sat in front of us.
The airport was packed and very noisy and T was overstimulated and stimming (digging hands) and eating his Pringle chips messily.
We told T to stop eating and save the rest for the flight and was met with a snarky “Shut up.”
Then he turned to the woman next to me, who briefly made eye contact with him, and told her to stop looking at him.
She gave a polite laugh and told him she was just looking around.
The poor hubby was flustered and I could tell he was embarrassed.
I knew I had to ride it out, because anything I did or said would be fueling a disregulated child.
“Nature is beauty
Beauty is nature
We are engineers
But who engineered us?”
– Anahera
The older man sitting across from us opened up his bag and told T he wanted to show him something.
T leaned closer as the man took out his own tall tube of Pringles and told him he loved chips too – and T smiled.
The man then looked at the hubby and I and said, “Sometimes, we are given a gift that teaches us about patience and kindness.”
All I could do was smile back – but I thought about these words during the flight on Friday and this weekend.
In moments of chaos – such as the last 30 minutes of our flight when T was acting like a little shit – it’s easy to forget what a blessing he is.
T indeed teaches us much about patience and kindness, on a daily basis, often at the expense of our sanity.
I’m not a religious person but I believe in a Creator – and that there are no coincidences.
I have an incredible story about T’s mother that reinforces this belief – and it’s a story I’ll only share once it’s been shared with T first.
We were always meant to be with this frenetic ball of joy and chaos.
During breakfast today, I looked at T and told him, “Do you know what I love about you?”
Before I could tell him that I love that every day is a new day with him to try again, T interrupted me and said, “That I’m cute, funny and smart.”
That’s absolutely amazing that the older guy did that for T!
Thank you! And yes, the simple act of kindness made such a difference.
That was very sweet of the older man who tried to diffuse the situation by connecting with T over pringles. I must say, you and the hubby certainly deserve a medal for being patient! I couldn’t help but laugh at T’s response to your question as to what you love about him. I mean, he’s not wrong!
Thanks Linda. The man provided some needed support and kindness for sure. No medal needed. Just give us a travel voucher or something. We miss being away already. 😆 Enjoy the first day of Spring!
I hope I can be that old man, who has kindness to share when the people around him needs it. T’s answer to your question is really funny and cute! It’s the kind of answer I’d only give to the people I care and love and feel comfortable with.
Thanks Bama. That is a good point about the answer that T provided and it made me smile. 😊 Happy Tuesday. I’m just trying to get caffeinated over here. 😆
Definitely the best of blessings
For sure, Gary! 🙏
There are a lot of people that can be idiots but I honestly believe there are more people out there that understand. Back in the day you would have kept T hidden at home and it’s so nice you all can go out and enjoy life with a few bad looks but more understanding and kindness. When my daughter was a baby we took her to church with us. One service she started to cry and I was so upset. After the service I apologized to our minister. He said not to apologize because he would rather have us there with a crying baby than not at all. I think about that every time I see a child acting up or crying.
Thanks Diane. That is so kind of you to share that wonderful story about your daughter. That minister sounds wonderful.
We’ve always said at an early age we would live and love life to the fullest with T. We’re very fortunate he is good most of the time but boy are his tough moments, when they happen, very hard to live through. 😆 But they always pass – and as you said, we’re fortunate the majority of people are understanding or at the very least, keep their thoughts to themselves. 😆
I love hearing about small moments of kindness like the man with the Pringles. In situations like that, we can choose to pass judgement (bad kid, bad parents) or offer empathy and kindness to help keep someone struggling afloat. As Mr. Roger would say: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Thank you, Erin. I love that you mentioned Mr Rogers as he is a great example of true kindness, empathy and no judgment. I’m familiar with the quote that you shared and agree to always seek out the helpers. 😊🙏
Wow! Big kudos to the guy on the plane … he sized it up and knew just what to do! And I have to laugh over T knowing just what it is you love about him! You guys are such a great family! Hugs to you all!
Thanks Jill. Yes, the kindness and empathy were so appreciated. 🙂 Have a great week ahead.
You too, my friend!
Love his quick wit! And he knows its true lol. I am glad you all made it home safely! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Rebecca. We got back safely and were thankful for the weekend to transition back into the school/work week ahead. Hope you have a great one too!
And that he is! What an interesting encounter with that man at the airport. Sometimes a stranger can have wonderful insights into our lives.
Thanks Margie. Yea, for sure, a fresh perspective can only glean wonderful insights. 😊
The best way to figure out how patient you are . . . flying back home from being away for any extended period of time! Add a child to the ingredients! Oh yes, you’ll definitely figure things out real quick. Hope the rest of the trip home was uneventful! Ha, ha.
Haha, yes for sure, Brian. These moments are a real test of patience. The flight back wasn’t too bad except for the final 30 minutes. In hindsight, T was tired and hungry so I don’t blame him for how he was.
Thanks for sharing Ab. I enjoy stories like this & that people still show kindness.
Thank you. Kindness, even for a short gesture, always goes a long way!
What a kind man, at the airport, to recognize when a parent is struggling and is willing to help- plus just making T laugh was perfect.
Thank you, Deb. It was a struggle for sure and so the kindness was appreciated!
Sounds like the gentleman was very aware and lended a kind hand. It warms my heart when people can do this! I know I shouldn’t love it so much, and I can’t imagine all the patience you and your husband must have at all times, but I do love that T is always ready with a clever comeback! 🙂
Thank you. The interaction was definitely warm and kind. We need more of that in this world! 😊
Hilarious ending, Ab! Good one, T! 🙂 Yes, besides that…
I love that you told this story and reminded me about what I’m learning from my kids and what a blessing they are. Not only are there no coincidences — but we can pass it along. I love that man for quietly doing something to change the energy of the moment. An angel indeed!
Welcome home – I hope re-entry isn’t too hard! <3 <3 <3
Thanks Wynne. The man definitely felt like a hidden angel indeed.
I’m on my long bus ride to work now. Haha. It’s going to be a transition for sure. Poor T is adjusting to his regular sleep schedule again and fell asleep late last night and was still in bed when I felt home. We’ll remember to be kind and gentle with ourselves as we re-enter this week.
Hope you and the kids have a good one too!
Kind and gentle sounds like a good prescription! Sending my best!