We didn't have to take Hazel. One of us could have skipped out. But, we were asked to be there, both of us. She has a hard time being reverent for an hour, let alone two. There weren't a lot of people there, certainly not all that had been asked to attend. We sat in the back, where we hoped we wouldn't distract. The meeting was long, Seth walked with Hazel in the hall when she got too antsy. We were there.
The meeting ended and a sweet man from our church came up to me, shook my hand, looked into my eyes and told me he was glad we'd brought Hazel. He was glad she was there so that both of us could be there, right there, where we needed to be. He kept a firm grip on my hand while he once again thanked us. I fought back tears.
It was the nicest thing someone's said to me since being called to be the Primary President. It's a struggle. It's overwhelming. I'm not the only one, I know that. My struggles are minor when compared to those around me. But for that brief moment it was nice to know someone recognized that Yes. It's hard, but we're doing our best.
Right words. Right moment.
Showing posts with label inspired. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspired. Show all posts
November 13, 2010
April 13, 2010
Flying Angels
In a former life of mine, I enjoyed flying. I would check all my bags, carry on nothing but a purse, settle into my seat with my iPod, a fresh book and my "traveling socks" (in case the flight was chilly). I looked forward to long flights, limitless reading time, interrupted only by the occasional offer of a drink or snacks.
My life now, I dread flying. Hazel is no stranger to flying the friendly skies. She has been on several cross-country flights in her short, little life. Seth always flies out with us, but usually it's just me and the baby flying home...no problem. However, these were all before she was a super mobile, nap-dependent, wiggly, no-way-I'll-sleep-in-your-arms kind of kid. She's too young to watch a movie but too old to be content on my lap. I have been dreading this five hour flight for a while, a long while.
I prayed (yes, really) that we would survive this flight. No, I wasn't worried about crashing, I know I need to put the mask on me first, then Hazel, use my seat cushion as a flotation device (in case we actually land in a lake as we fly over Iowa)... I was more concerned about the harsh looks, glares and stares I may get as my poor child wailed. I can't handle that.
Travel day arrived. Hazel ate her favorite pancakes at the airport, and we crawled around all over as we waited for our plane. I secretly hoped the flight would not be full and hopefully we could pretend Hazel had her own seat. Nope, overbooked. Boarding time came, and it was our turn (bless you, Southwest, not only do you like my bags, but you let me choose my seat too!). We began our usual routine, search for an aisle seat on an empty row. That way whoever chooses to sit by you knows full well you have a kid. I made it two or three rows back when a nice couple caught my attention and asked ME if I would like to sit by them. I gave them the WHAT look and pointed to Hazel. They nodded and asked if I wouldn't mind if they held her. I sank into the seat next to them and blinked back tears.
The flight was long, at one point I was positive we were at least three hours into the flight. Only to look at the time and discover it had only been an hour and a half. Hazel was antsy, wiggly and normal, she was yawning and dozy but refused to nap. But thankfully I was not alone. The wonder-couple, M and R, gladly snatched her from me when she tired of my attempts to entertain. They let her look out the window, play with their iPods, and even drool and slimy-finger his iPad (yeah, I now want one). I know it's totally cheesy, but I teared up once or twice on the flight. Just overwhelmed by their kindness and willingness to help. Honest answer to a prayer.
They inspired me, and reminded me of the person I want to be. I want to be that person who isn't bothered by someone else's crying baby, who looks for ways to make someone else's life a bit easier. Someday I want to find a way to be an answer to someone's prayers.
Thank you, M and R.
My life now, I dread flying. Hazel is no stranger to flying the friendly skies. She has been on several cross-country flights in her short, little life. Seth always flies out with us, but usually it's just me and the baby flying home...no problem. However, these were all before she was a super mobile, nap-dependent, wiggly, no-way-I'll-sleep-in-your-arms kind of kid. She's too young to watch a movie but too old to be content on my lap. I have been dreading this five hour flight for a while, a long while.
I prayed (yes, really) that we would survive this flight. No, I wasn't worried about crashing, I know I need to put the mask on me first, then Hazel, use my seat cushion as a flotation device (in case we actually land in a lake as we fly over Iowa)... I was more concerned about the harsh looks, glares and stares I may get as my poor child wailed. I can't handle that.
Travel day arrived. Hazel ate her favorite pancakes at the airport, and we crawled around all over as we waited for our plane. I secretly hoped the flight would not be full and hopefully we could pretend Hazel had her own seat. Nope, overbooked. Boarding time came, and it was our turn (bless you, Southwest, not only do you like my bags, but you let me choose my seat too!). We began our usual routine, search for an aisle seat on an empty row. That way whoever chooses to sit by you knows full well you have a kid. I made it two or three rows back when a nice couple caught my attention and asked ME if I would like to sit by them. I gave them the WHAT look and pointed to Hazel. They nodded and asked if I wouldn't mind if they held her. I sank into the seat next to them and blinked back tears.
The flight was long, at one point I was positive we were at least three hours into the flight. Only to look at the time and discover it had only been an hour and a half. Hazel was antsy, wiggly and normal, she was yawning and dozy but refused to nap. But thankfully I was not alone. The wonder-couple, M and R, gladly snatched her from me when she tired of my attempts to entertain. They let her look out the window, play with their iPods, and even drool and slimy-finger his iPad (yeah, I now want one). I know it's totally cheesy, but I teared up once or twice on the flight. Just overwhelmed by their kindness and willingness to help. Honest answer to a prayer.
They inspired me, and reminded me of the person I want to be. I want to be that person who isn't bothered by someone else's crying baby, who looks for ways to make someone else's life a bit easier. Someday I want to find a way to be an answer to someone's prayers.
Thank you, M and R.
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