Mother's Day and Costco Kids

I was at Costco last night getting some things for my mom for Mother's Day, and I saw a father with his two sons, around the ages of nine and eleven or so. The younger one asked his father if they could buy the new Tron movie. His dad said no, but he was also sort of mean about it. I don't know the whole back story of these people of course, but when the father replied to his son in such an unexpected manner, I had an odd instinct to pacify the poor kid. I thought of walking over to him and saying "That's okay, that movie is overrated anyway." because that is my honest opinion on that particular movie. I was thinking that maybe a complete stranger walking up to him and telling him such a thing would shock him into felling better about his father's choice, or at least forget it.

I didn't actually approach the kid, but listened to him whine as he walked away. I wondered if he wouldn't have been as unhappy if I'd spoken up.

This lead me to think about all of the other times I had wanted to care for, or at least help, a child that was not my responsibility. In a grocery store, this tiny girl fell and before her mother helped her, I almost went over there myself. Of course, I probably wouldn't have been able to help much, due to the fact that children want their mothers caring for them, especially when they're hurt somehow. Plus it'd be really awkward, seeing as I didn't know them. I still had that instinct, though.

Women have a special difference to men in their roles as caregivers. They were made to have children, and to live out their divine destinies, and I'm happy that I was born with the natural sensitivity toward children and their feelings and that I have a need to care for them. I love kids, no matter whose, and I think they are all so good.

I also thought about how that boy in Costco didn't have his mother with him, only his father. Things might have gone differently in the happiness department, had his mom been there as well. Dads are great, they give you the tough love that you need, among many other great things. However, mothers have a different role. They nurture and love, care for and help their children in a different way than fathers do. They are so important to a child's growth and I love my mom especially.

Happy Mother's Day to all my favorite moms. Kate, Emily, and Heather: You are such great sisters and mothers, and you teach your kids so well. It has been such a joy to watch them grow up and learn from your examples, and help where I can. I love every one of them, and you three of course! It's an inspiration to me to have all of your good examples surrounding me. Thank you.

To my mother: Well, you know I couldn't live without you. Also, raising seven kids gives you a few extra points on Mother's Day, I think. ;) Needless to say, you're my favorite mom.

Love you all! I hope your Mother's Day Sunday is wonderful.