Bug has been sick. Not “oh no let’s call the doctor and get medicine” sick, just “the weather changes too much” sick. Allergies, snot, drainage, and coughing. He decided a few days ago that being sick = not sleeping as well. So we’ve been up at night while he plays instead of sleeping. He’s been clingy. He’s been whiney. Oh my goodness he’s been whiney. The kid never fusses. But he has the last 3 days. And on Sunday I couldn’t put him in the nursery at church. I know he’s not sick sick. He’s just yucky allergy sick. But still, he’s green snot sick. So I kept him in church with me.
Where I sat there was a couple in front of me that I had spoken to before. Funny story on a side track – the first time I met this couple they offered to take me to lunch. I was alone, and Bug was teeny bitty. I told them that, while I appreciate the offer, I had four kids and I’m sure they would be overwhelmed. The lady was shocked, asked me how old I was (31, I told her), and then was even more shocked when I showed her the family picture (including a husband) on my smart phone. I think she thought I was a teen mother (wow, I must look amazing!?!?). They are such Sweetie Pies.
Anyhoo … they were sitting in front of me. We’ve spoken a few more times since then, and darned if I can remember their names. But we talked this past Sunday and I had Bug. Mrs. Sweetie Pie asked if she could hold Bug. Sure. It’s not like they’d be going anywhere, and we’d talked several times and it’s church. She cuddled Bug and he snuggled back, since he’s a sweet boy who loves everyone. After a few minutes Mr. Sweetie Pie took him. And held him through two songs. As I watched them coo and smile over Bug I realized something.
Sometimes people want to hold a baby not to help you, but because it helps them. Babies (usually) love unabashedly. They don’t care that you aren’t perfect. They don’t see the baggage you’re carrying. All they know is you’re pretty cool, fun to grab, and smile a lot. The couple that held Bug on Sunday just kept loving on him and smiling. He brought them a moment of joy that I couldn’t provide them as an adult. For a moment they could dote on someone who wouldn’t get mad, irritated, or judge them at all. Babies and puppies make us feel better. We can look at the future in them. We see the potential of kindness and acceptance. Babies don’t see color of skin. They don’t see age. They just see someone who should protect them. And that, sadly, is a fault too, sometimes. But this time it wasn’t. And as we sang praise songs and I watched Bug try to take Mr. Sweetie Pie’s glasses off and watched the man remove his glasses and laugh as his wife patted Bug’s back I realized two things. It was okay that I didn’t know them too well. I shared my love and my joy with them. And I got a break. Did I mention that he’s been a clingy, whiney, nonsleeping baby the last few days? Yeah, I was selfish and saw it as a break. J
I don't think you were being selfish. Like you said you brought joy and happiness to this couple even if only for a moment. You may not know them well and at the same time you don't know what exactly they may be going through. They may not be able to have children and this precious moment gave them what they possibly can not have. That may have been just what they needed as well as the break you needed. Phinn is just precious and I hope that he continues to bring joy and happiness (even in the unhappy times) to all of you as well as to others. I just love his smile. ;-)
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