Pity.
I know how I looked to other travelers on my short little jaunt to California, sans Mike. I could feel and see them looking at me, though I would often pretend that I didn't. Truth be told I felt rather uncomfortable knowing people were watching as I lugged my oversized carry on, diaper bag and extra large mama purse (no checked bags for me thank you) and child via sling down the aisles of the plane, bumping into anyone sitting in the aisle seat. I didn't like feeling eyes stare at me as I tried to gobble down a turkey sandwich over my slinged baby knowing I'm getting crumbs all over her head. I knew I looked pathetic, and truthfully much of the time I was struggling. But just when I felt like screaming with frustration someone would surprise me. I don't think I once put together my stroller because everytime I started fumbling with it while trying to juggle my child some little angel would pop out of nowhere with "ma'am, can I help you with that?"
Why yes. Yes kind little helper, you sure can.
My child is beyond wiggly. Just when you think she is entertained by one thing she if off to the next thing. It is exhausting to keep her entertained in small confinements like plane seats. And so the nice man who donated half of his seat and his tray table for our sprawl certainly has a special place in my heart. The plane attendant who held her so I could pee was like a saint that day. And also the lovely. tolerant couple who sat behind us and goo'ed and ga'ed with her, because Ellie decided they were they most fascinating people on the plane and insisted on staring at them frequently. But even still as I got off of our returning plane and I looked back at our seat, covered in cheerios and crumpled paper and skrunched up napkins I thought so help me God I will never do this again. And then some kind woman asked me if she could help me with my bag.
And so people really surprised me. I wasn't expecting this kindness but it sure was appreciated. Because sometimes you really do need the help. Sometimes you feel as pathetic as you look. Sometimes two hands aren't enough. So thank you humanity. My faith in you just got bumped up a notch!
In the end, it was worth a trip to see La La.
2 comments:
DAMN that baby is cute!!!!!!!!I'd gotten sucked in too!!!
Hi Summer! Thanks for the kind comments. I love your images as well...I simply cannot believe that Eleanor is 9 months old! It completely BLOWS me away! I love this entry and it is so true that you can find the best in humanity on a flight. I met this couple who I still stay in touch with. Without them the transcontinental trip would have been torturous without Daddy there to help!
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