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Angels Are Real (Especially at the Grocery Store)
Updated: April 7, 2021
Originally Published: November 25, 2015
Every time I take my kids to the grocery store, I come home with a cart full of food and a heart full of regret. I find myself pondering, why didn’t I just order my groceries online?
Last week, after picking up my 3-year-old from preschool, I thought I could manage a quick grocery run before lunch. I arrived a bit early, and when Mia spotted me, she exclaimed, “I didn’t think you’d be here!” Off to a great start, right? But then, as we walked to the car, she took off running.
“Mia, please get in the car,” I called out. Instead of complying, she dove into a pile of leaves.
“We don’t have time to play. Get in the car, please,” I insisted. But she only buried herself deeper. I felt frustration rising as I scooped her up, only to be met with a hit to my arm. Deep breaths, I reminded myself, even though it was hard to stay calm.
After a brief timeout on an upside-down bucket in the garage, we finally made it to the store. But, of course, it was packed. I circled the lot, finally squeezing into a spot, all while carrying my 17-month-old and holding Mia’s hand.
When we entered the store, Mia shouted, “They have the race-car cart!” But it was wet from the rain, so I pretended to be disappointed. “Oh, sweetie, it’s wet! Let’s find another cart.” I grabbed a drier one but soon realized that the baby was heading toward a towering display of drinks.
With the little one in one arm and my other hand grabbing a box of tissues from the service desk, I sprinted back to prevent a drink disaster. While trying to manage the puddle I had created from the wet cart, I wished I had more than one hand free. Lunchtime was approaching, and I couldn’t imagine tackling this grocery shopping with hungry kids. I even contemplated going home.
And then, out of nowhere, an angel appeared. She had curly hair and glasses, and when she spoke, it felt like the world melted away. “Can I help you?” she asked.
Tears almost sprang to my eyes. “Um, yes…” I stammered, overwhelmed.
Just then, a staff member came by with a roll of paper towels, and together, they cleaned up my mess. The angel started chatting with my kids, telling them how patient they were being. In that moment, I felt seen – not as the chaotic mom with a mess, but as someone simply trying to manage life with little ones.
Her small act of kindness reminded me that in the midst of chaos, we can find support and understanding. If I had opted for online grocery shopping, I wouldn’t have encountered this wonderful moment of connection. So, thank you, kind stranger. Your help was a reminder that angels truly exist.