Walking a mile with their shoes

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“The sense that someone else cares always helps because it is the

sense of love.”

-- GEORGE E. WOODBERRY

Last week, I went for a walk on two cool foggy mornings, but I

felt inwardly warmed by two different encounters.

The first was when I rounded a corner and saw a mother pushing a

stroller up ahead. I saw the child throw something out of the

stroller, but the mother didn’t seem to notice. I picked up my pace

until I reached a little cardboard book with colorful trucks on the

front. I scooped it up and headed toward the mother.

I handed it to her and she thanked me and explained that it was a

favorite book. We walked and talked for a few blocks.

“I have two other busy boys at home,” she said. “Fortunately both

my mother and sister help out, and a neighbor watches them sometimes

so that my husband and I can go out to dinner. I’ve learned to let

others help. Parenting takes many hands and big hearts.”

Two days later, I started up a hill and saw a woman in the

distance pushing a double stroller. In front of her was another woman

with a golden retriever. I came up to them, and waved at the children

who both looked at me and smiled.

“What a precious little cargo you have there,” I said. “How old

are they?”

I learned the twins were 11 months old and that they loved going

out on walks. The little girl was bundled in pink and held a little

bear, and the little boy was bundled in blue and was holding a truck.

“Feel free to walk with us if you want. The twins love meeting

people and showing off their toys,” the mother said.

As if on cue, the boy held up his truck and the girl showed me her

bear. I could see that they each had a few more toys in the stroller.

I was amazed at how quickly she pushed such an obviously heavy

stroller up such a steep hill.

“You get quite a workout,” I said.

“That’s for sure, but I have my friend to help,” she said.

At that point, the woman’s friend said, “Just tell me when you

need a break, and I’ll be happy to push.”

The mother answered that she would switch places with her friend

at the next corner.

“God knew I need people to help me, and I’ll take all the help I

can get,” the mother said.

I walked and chatted with them for a few blocks until the mother’s

friend took over the stroller detail, and I needed to head for home.

There are times when we stroll through life; other times we climb

steep challenges. Whatever stage God has placed us in, it’s always a

blessing when someone walks alongside us and lends a helping hand.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.