I just have to share this experience with y’all. I was in Old Navy in Warner Robins with little Cole. He was asleep in his car seat at first, but a few minutes into shopping he woke up and started getting fussy, ready to eat. I decided to head back to the front of the store so I could leave my things and grab his bag from the car. That’s when an employee stopped me and asked if I wanted her to hold him while I went out. I hesitated at first, like any mama would, but something about her felt so genuine so I said yes.
Before I even made it to the door, Cole had stopped crying. When I came back, he was calm and happy in her arms. She was so smitten she even told her coworker, “Oh my goodness, you have to smell this baby,” and we both laughed. She then told me she had some extra time and would gladly care for him while I shopped. She said if I got the bottle ready, she’d sit with him and feed him. So I let her.
Y’all, she walked around the store talking to him so sweetly. She told him he could be anything he wanted to be, even a President or a teacher, and she kissed him gently on his little cheeks and head. Her love and sincerity were so real I could hardly concentrate on my shopping.
When I was done and went to put him back in his car seat, she said “No, I’ll walk with him to your car.” She stayed with us while I got him settled in, tucked his stroller away, and then asked my name. She introduced herself as Lora and said it was a blessing for her to be able to care for him that day. She wished us safe travels home, and I just stood there amazed at her kindness.
Kind is honestly an understatement for what she showed us. And for the second day in a row I was reminded that not everyone sees color. Thank you Ms. Lora for letting this mama shop in peace and for showing so much love to my baby boy.
Credit: Danyale Peterson