THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTO CREDITS ANDREA DIALECT
MAMA PLEASED
On Monday, during my usual run, my article submission for this week had been far from thought. As was the coming of our beloved Mother’s Day. Three things vied for my attention that morning. But ironically, it was the last person who triggered that reminder – which is surprising, because he logically wasn’t a mom. But perhaps a dad or a brother to the child in the classic-styled stroller that caught my eye. (He looked quite young in age when I think about it.)
Just before, I’d witnessed a mama approaching the curb who had been given the right of way by an idling car. Uncertain of my next move as I approached, she brought that right arm downward, fingers spread to protect her child on the right of her, while grasping for the hand of the male child on the left. I proceeded straight ahead, but at passing, noted the two to be about thirteen and fourteen, easy. Like a mother duck and her ducklings waddling in the road – what a lovely sight to see.
It was the way that he so attentively pushed that pretty pink stroller. But what was even more intriguing was how knowledgably he stopped short of that curb at an appropriate distance, turning the stroller sideways – as I used to – opposed to the front end dangling in the road, as so many, many moms and dads I peer at when crossing paths do. That made me smile, as our beloved holiday’s fast approach came to mind as quickly as those speeding cars bogarting the road.
But unfortunately, notably the most impactful candidates of my people-watch that day had been the first three that I stumbled upon: two little boys and their mom. I was trapped behind the yellow school bus in front of me (a scenario which is the perfect reminder for bus drivers needing to know how that feels).
She steps out of the door of that two-story house, the two little ones trailing behind. No – I stand corrected. She held the hand of one, and the other trailed behind. She opened the gate and intently allowed the child to walk through, as the other once again trailed behind. Their hoods were on their heads to protect them from the rain, but I could see that they looked like twins.
She walked into the street, holding the hand of the one, as the other went at it alone. She never even looked back at him. He had made it – thank God and was entering the bus all by his lonesome, bypassing his mom and his brother, as the mother noticeably doted upon the other while speaking just before bending down to give him that loving kiss.
I gazed at her as she disappeared from the right side of that bus and reentered my view on the left side. Reentered the gate and headed towards the steps. A passing, I whispered a prayer for her and that little one that seemingly fends for himself. But I just realized that I hadn’t prayed for the one whose hand she held – something that I hadn’t looked at. So perhaps I didn’t know what I saw once again. Please know that as mothers – and even grandmothers – we are still learning how to be so. So don’t be so hard on yourself! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY LADIES!
Visit Localtalkweekly.com to read the full story in the Entertainment section. While you’re at it, check out the archives and the enjoyment of the Fine Artistry subjects that accompany my words – like our subjects here.
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DID YOU KNOW….
Mothers and grandmothers play vital, multifaceted roles in families, offering love, support, guidance, and care to their children and grandchildren. They can be sources of wisdom, comfort, and emotional stability, helping to shape the lives of younger generations. Their specific roles can vary depending on cultural and family dynamics.
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