Musings From One Mother to Another
I saw you.
I watched as you rested your head on the car door and took deep breaths as he pounded at the door.
Watched the anguish turn to anger for the smallest moment before melting into embarrassment.
I saw you.
I watched as you desperately grasped at his flailing arms and scratching fingers as they tore at your flesh.
I saw you count to three and beg him to stop.
As you pleaded with him to calm down. Counted the number of times you tried in vain to bribe him to please stop.
To the mum in the car park.
I watched as you wrestled him into the car seat.
Manoeuvring his octopus-like limbs into the harness before calmly closing the door.
I watched as your shoulders dropped and your trembling hands tried in vain to hide your eyes from the world and all its judgement.
I almost stepped over as I watched you climb into the front seat – head in hands as you collapsed at the steering wheel.
I saw you.
I watched.
I watched as you shook your head, wiped the mascara from your damp cheeks and adjusted your mirrors.
I saw that pause…. Before you turned the key.
The deep breath you took as the car pulled away.
Screaming child still screaming so loud the thick car windows couldn’t mask the sound.
To the mum in the parking lot.
I saw you.
I watched your battle, my heart crumbled as I witnessed your pain and incredible patience.
I saw you.
I admired you.
Your strength, patience, compassion. Your determination.
I saw you.
You were not alone.
To the mum in the car. You did well
You did well.
You hide a superhero cape under your tear stained shirt, but I saw it in all its shining glory.
To the mum who thought she was alone
I saw you.
I admired you.
I was proud, and so should you be.
I saw you. You were not alone. It will get better. I promise.
