Crossing Paths

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"A bird in hand can make an awful mess."
~unknown

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There are days that the realization I am certainly not the only mother competing for mom of the year humbles me. Today was such a day.

First, I simply had a case of waking up on the wrong side of the bed today. I'm not sure why, it just happened. I had a wonderful conversation with another mom about some of our shared frustrations (I'll spare you the details). I was also handed several reminders of how sometimes this whole motherhood thing is not always my forte. I do my best but I think we'd all agree at this point, I am far from perfect!

However (come on, you knew it was coming) I also got a reminder that I could be worse. Plus, it was a good laugh too, so definitely worthy of sharing. While I do not know this person, I got the pleasure of crossing paths with her while walking my daily path to mom of the year.

"Honey, you gotta wash the shit off your hands." Yep, that's what I heard as I entered a stall in the restroom at Malea's daycare. She had me at shit!

"No," said the child.  I could sense the best of a terrible twos fit coming on. 

"Come on now," the mother coaxed, "you need to wash the bird shit off your hands." 

OK, I thought to myself, good to know what kind we're dealing with.  Still, I found myself slightly amused at how easily she was slinging the word shit around.  AND, in front of her very impressionable two year old. 

"No momma," said the child again.  Oh goodness, the fit of all fits was coming.  I could tell. 

"Sweetie," said mom, "we need to get your hands clean.  We need to wipe the sh...I mean poop off your hands." 

Aha, I think she finally remembered I had strolled past her when entering.  They were not alone.  Here was another mom, overhearing the conversation and her casual use of "the s word."  Quickly, while amused at the mother using her very sweet voice to get her daughter to wash her hands, my mind wandered to how exactly this whole poop predicament happened.  Not my kid and therefore, not for me to know. 

As I approached the sink to wash my hands, the mother wouldn't make eye contact with me.  Given the river of water that was on the counter, I was sure she'd had quite a struggle before I arrived and an even bigger one was building.  I could sense she was embarrassed I'd overheard so I shot her a smile.  You know, the one that lets her know it's OK.  I'm on that pursuit to mom of the year too. 

Just as she was about to smile back, her daughter threw her hands in the air, splashing water all over the bathroom and announced with a great amount of joy, "Look momma, no shit!" 

Yep, this journey is not one I travel alone.  Here's to you, my fellow mother of the year!  Thanks for the laugh. 

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