A stranger. Me. And 4 boys.
April 12, 2008 by Audrey
I went grocery shopping yesterday afternoon for some quick items.
Chicken. Mayo. Bread. Yogurt. And strawberries.
That was it.
My mother was in the car with the boys, so I really was trying to get in-and-out as quickly as possible… oh, yes… 7 month pregnant lady running up and down aisles, BEWARE! 
As I reached the check-out line, I happened to be behind an elderly lady. I noticed that she kept looking at me. My belly. And then my strawberries. She did this (in order) about 3 times.
Me. Belly. Strawberries. Me. Belly. Strawberries. Me. Belly. Strawberries.
I gave her a polite smile. After all, she was a cute little lady!
Finally she said to me, “Those strawberries aren’t that good. I bought them last week here.”
Grrrrreeaat… this is the ONLY thing I’m craving right now!!
“But if you load them with sugar, you’ll be fine.”
I laughed, a woman after my own heart.
She then asked me when I was due. I told her in June… and then said, “It will be my 4th son!”
She lights up, smiles at me and says, “Oh… I have 4 sons! Matthew. Michael. Mason. And Mitchell, we liked the letter M.” And then she winked.
(I was liking this woman more and more by the second. Quick and funny.)
We chatted a bit more about having sons. Her sons were in their late 50s. A little older than mine!
But she wished me good luck, even gave me a hug, and headed out. As I stood there watching the girl scan my food, I couldn’t help but smiling to myself and thinking about how cool it was that I just met this little lady.
Then I hear the check-out girl yell to the boy bagging “Oh, no… that lady before this woman forgot all of her bags.”
I offered to run them out to her.
So as I’m walking up to her getting into her car, I call out to her with a smile, “So tell me… is this what happens when you have 4 sons!?”
She turns to me, laughs out loud and realizes she forgot ALL of her items. “Oh God, for your sake… I hope not! I’m not a good example for you!”
A random stranger. But we had a beautiful connection between us.
(I just forgot to ask her if she ever got a granddaughter… but for some reason, with the look on her face when she was talking about her sons, it didn’t look like it even would have mattered!)
- Audrey
What a cool story! I’d definitely say there was a connection there!
What a lovely encounter, Audrey! Sometimes it amazes me how the seemingly random encounters with strangers we have can leave such an impression on us and sometimes even have such an impact on our lives.
That was a really sweet connection. She sounds lovely!
Oh, and seven months already!?!?! Time is just flying by! I remember when you had JUST announced that you were expecting!!! WOW!
Have a great weekend! XOXO
Isn’t so cool that all moms (ok, most moms) can find a connection of some kind. No matter the age or stage in life. Strawberries sound good, but I’m more of a blueberry girl. And I will not mention that I have started to walk away without my groceries also
Wow, I truly have a tears in my eyes…you painted such a sweet picture of your encounter…it truly touched me.
I feel often times, we have these ‘moments’ to remind us that life is all about this fabulous parenting journey we’re on, making connections with those that truly understand…Strawberries and all!
Much luck with the remaining months of your pregnancy!
that was so sweet!!!!!!!!
This made me a little teary, thinking about my 3 sons being in their 50’s some day, and looking at a young lovely preggo such as yourself and reflecting. Imagine all the things that sweet woman has been through!
I don’t know if you are like me, but this story suggests you are–whenever I’m out in public I *always* have strangers talking to me. Telling me their life story, asking my advice, gossiping about their co-workers, all of it. Sometimes it’s really annoying (like when I’m in a hurry), but every now and then it’s a treasure encounter like this one you described. Thanks for sharing!
`A
What a great story about a wonderful encounter.
I love that story! So sweet!
I agree! I think that was a sweet story! What a warm feeling it must have been
What a great story! I’ll bet she’s telling all her friends about meeting you, too!
What a beautiful experience. I adore older men and women. Not enough people really seeeeee the older people in our world. They don’t take the time to talk to and listen to them like the real people they are. They often have the neatest stories to share…she sounds like a lovely lady!
That is such a sweet story! It’s not everyday that you run into people like that ~ especially at the grocery store! I had it happen to me one time, and I started crying with the lady! I know, CRAZY! I was just having a bad day, and the kids were acting up something fierce! Uggghh! Luckily your mom was there to stay in the car with the kids!
OH, what a great story! *wiping tears*
Our boys ROCK!!!
What a beautiful moment, thanks for sharing!