Time to brag a bit about my wife. No, I’m not sucking up.
OK, maybe a little.
Even though she made me promise to never write about her in this column, she did something this past weekend worth writing about.
Although she’d prefer I not share, her recent act of kindness offers a good lesson as we embark on the holiday season.
Allow me to set the scene.
Our family was visiting an establishment that could be described as the epicenter of chaos. I won’t mention names, but a hint can’t hurt.
Imagine a place capable of simultaneously hosting several birthday parties and scores of preschool and school-aged kids – all talking, shouting and laughing in unison, while running several directions. Cue the loud music and sounds of pinging, dinging and ringing. A fun zone not for the faint of heart. A place where kids (and parents, too) may near a tipping point.
This occurred for one young mother and her child.
Many bystanders stood witness to a mother at her wit’s end, as her child had a drawnout, kicking-screaming-crying meltdown. Obviously, this youngster was not ready to make an exit, nor was the mom able to pick her child and several other items off the floor.
Several adults observed the struggle and likely passed judgment (me included). All except my selfless wife who didn’t think twice as she marched and mouthed, “Please, let me help you.”
Their eyes met, the mom burst into tears and my wife silently signaled, “I see you, I’ve been there, it is OK, let me help.” My wife knelt, helped collect their things and whispered to the child it was time to go. And just like that, like magic, peace was restored and the two went on their way.
Those of us who chose to gawk realized we, too, could have helped.
Later, I asked my wife what she said during the encounter.
“It’s OK. Please, let me help. You are a good mom, you have a good kid and these things happen,” she said.
That’s it. Nothing heroic. A simple act of kindness, the recognition of someone else’s situation, a bit of courtesy and the willingness to act.
We often fall prey to the “should’ve,” when we lack the guts to stand up, to say what needed to be said or do what was right.
Too often these days, it seems we are drawn to the struggle. Quick to offer critique or pass judgment. Less prompt to extend aid, tolerance and understanding.
It is hard to know what others are going through. A simple act of kindness goes a long way. And for someone who needs a moment of grace, it may mean the world.
Peace to you all and merry Christmas.
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Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
