The Day a Kind Stranger Reminded Me I Was Not Alone

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Our brains are designed to process the array of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that surround us, allowing us to react appropriately. However, for my son, the world can feel like a chaotic puzzle.

A gentle touch or a light spray of water feels abrasive to his skin. The sound of a loudspeaker or a flushing toilet can bring him to tears. He often struggles in crowded spaces, where the sensory overload sends his body into overdrive. He may run, spin, jump, crash into walls, or even scream at the top of his lungs, all as a response to his overwhelming environment.

Traveling can be especially challenging for us, particularly at places like the airport. He finds comfort in the vibrations of flying itself, but everything else—like handling luggage, security lines, and endless waiting—can quickly become a nightmare. We spend weeks preparing for our trips, discussing every detail of the airport experience and creating a step-by-step checklist. Special bags filled with a deep pressure vest, noise-canceling headphones, and comforting toys are packed to alleviate his anxiety. Yet, despite our careful planning, chaos can still ensue.

Recently, we returned to New York after visiting family in Texas. By the time we reached baggage claim, my son was utterly exhausted and overwhelmed. It was a long day, and he had a complete meltdown right there on the grimy floor of LaGuardia Airport. I found myself holding a thrashing, screaming five-year-old while simultaneously looking for our bags and searching for our driver.

Tears streamed down my face as I fought to maintain my composure. I could feel the stares from other travelers, including one woman who remarked, “My child would never behave like that,” as she passed by with her friend. All I wanted was to disappear.

Then, unexpectedly, a lovely woman who had sat next to me on the flight approached. She knelt beside us and calmly asked my son what his favorite jelly bean color was. He looked surprised but answered her. She encouraged him to pull out his toy binoculars to help look for our luggage, which he did eagerly.

Before long, our bags appeared, along with our driver. I expressed my gratitude to this kind stranger, and we parted ways. While disapproving looks will always exist, there are also compassionate souls like Linda from New Jersey who remind us that, even in our most difficult parenting moments, we are not alone. Thank goodness for that!

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In summary, parenting can be a challenging journey filled with unexpected trials, but the kindness of strangers can make all the difference, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.