In Germany it was necessary that I took all three of my children grocery shopping with me.
My husband had to work and the commissary had limited hours, so we just did what we had to do.
It was not a task that I enjoyed or appreciated.
Not because they were terribly behaved, it was just more work for me. Much more work.
I looked forward moving back to the states where there are 24 hour grocery stores and shopping on the weekend when my husband could stay home with the children.
We figured out just the right time in our weekly schedule for me to be able to do the grocery shopping alone.
And that’s what I did.
In fact, until this past Tuesday, I have not taken all three of my children with me into the grocery store or any store for that matter.
After a weekend away at Blissdom, it became necessary that I had to buy groceries on Tuesday with all three children in tow.
Necessary because we like to eat.
After being in the store for no longer than ten minutes, I thought I had discovered just the reason why I avoid taking my crew along with me on this dreaded errand.
Again, not because they were terribly behaved.
Not even because of the extra work for me…not this time.
But because of the attention that three small children and a pregnant mommy attract.
Not since EA and MC were babies have I heard so many exclamations over them being twins!
We were talked to, joked with, and even serenaded by a man singing a “Frog Songâ€.
I began looking to see if we were the only parent and children ensemble cruising around in our car shaped shopping cart.
Yup…we were.
By the time we reached the frozen food aisle, I was done with this excursion and all the attention. I thought it had to be taking at least fifteen minutes longer than it should be.
And then I met reality and was humbled by someone in the middle of the frozen vegetables.
A lady walked by our cart and commented to me that she loved children.
I quickly replied with a polite smile and, “Yes, obviously, I do too.â€
Then she said something that I’m holding on to.
“Seeing them [my children] and hearing their small voices blesses me.â€
Wow, y’all! How amazing is that??
Just by enduring a little “inconvenience†on my part and taking my children shopping with me, I can be a blessing to someone. Maybe even more than one someone.
Someone that needs to see the face of a child.
Someone that needs to hear a child’s laughter.
Someone that needs to be reminded of their own youth.
Someone that misses their own children, or grandchildren.
This doesn’t mean that I’m taking them with me every week, but I think I’ll be more appreciative of the extra attention when I do.
Sarah says
how wonderful you could be a blessing to a stranger. I like to go shopping for some peace too and its not peaceful with my two chatter boxes in tow.
Amy @ Click Clack Mom says
I really enjoyed this story. Recently I started going to the grocery on Sunday evenings because I can do it alone–and quickly! I’ve even started to dread John’s deployment because I will have to do those kinds of things with a baby in tow. This story will definitely help me to shift my perspective. Thanks for sharing this.
Jenny says
Ha – Monica – I have to laugh because I totally understand! I took the boys to Lotte Mart (think Korean Target) with me this past weekend. It took nearly an hour and a half and I only got a handful of items. However, every couple steps we were stopped so people could look at, smile at, cuddle on, etc. the boys. It’s sweet that people love on them – but I think they’ll both be in for a shock when we move back to the States where that’s not really the norm.
Barb says
WOW! I am speechless with tearful eyes. Children truly are blessings sent from God above. Great post!
Blessings!
.-= Barb´s last blog ..Our Homeschool Story Part 3 (The Final Decision)… =-.
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
Absolutely! My son is grown.. but Istill enjoy seeing young children… you know… you may want to take one with you each time… rotate it so that child feels special that week…. children love to go grocery shopping.
Like you I dreaded grocery shopping… well I still do but for different reasons… just hate the chore.. but when Erik was little he was quite a bundle to schlep (like the NY word?) around especially in a snow suit… the bakery always had a “cookie club” for kids so it was the first stop for his free cookie…. and we had to stop by the fish counter and see the lobthsters… (yes, he said it with the “th” in the middle)….taking te extra time drove me nuts… but I’m glad I did those things… they are the best memories… and food for conversations still
.-= Linda@cookingtipoftheday´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day – Crunch Time =-.
Andrea says
Your children are absolute angels in the commissary! Mine choose that time to act wild and test my patience. It is hard to get this attention when all you want to do is get your items and move on to fun activities! It was nice that the lady was nice. People can be really rude with comments about big families. Sadly, I know.
Maggie Mae says
Twins attract a lot of attention. Down syndrome attracts a lot of attention (not always good… sometimes erroneously looks of pity… which I am compelled to address in a most positive way!). And 3 children attract a lot of attention. You’re right, most folks don’t take their children with them (occasionally you see maybe 1 child… usually an infant). But I take all 3 of my kids with me on major food shops every time. Yes, it’s more work but the real-world experience for them and the joy they bring to me and invariably to so many others sustains me in this joined chore. I will continue to inconvenience myself with this task for as long as they’ll let me.
.-= Maggie Mae´s last blog ..What Dealing With Down Syndrome Taught Me About Dealing With Alzheimer’s =-.
Jessica Jennings says
Loved this!!!