by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

Today was one of those days I never want to repeat. I struggled. Cried. Counted down the hours until my husband came home from work. I was prepared to list it among the worst of 2017 until everything changed in an instant. And my day turned around for the better.
A stranger held a door open for me.
It sounds so simple, and it is. Sometimes it?s the small gestures that can make the biggest impact. Both my son and I were on the verge of melting down. I was trying to leave a store as quickly as possible. When it came time to navigate my stroller, a screaming child, and holding open a door -- I faltered.
A woman in my line of sight suddenly dropped the sweater she was looking at. In a few quick strides she appeared at my side, giving a knowing smile. In a calming voice she said, ?let me get that for you. It?s been a while, but I remember what you?re going through." The tears came again. But unlike the ones I?d been fighting a losing battle against for the better part of the day, these were happy tears. I?d just needed to feel validated in my struggle. Her gesture not only helped me, she was acknowledging me. I just needed to be seen.
After thanking her profusely I did two things. I told everyone I knew about the kind stranger who saved my day at H&M. And I started thinking -- about strollers, strangers and new year?s resolutions.
Most parents will tell you, opening a door with one hand while pushing a stroller through it with the ...