Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.
I remember about 12 years ago, while I was working retail, a woman came in with her son. I was working in a all female clothing store, so you can tell the boy wasn’t exactly thrilled to be there, but he sat quietly playing with his yo-yo while his mom shopped.
I smiled at him and proceeded to help his mom and we got to talking. I mentioned I hadn’t seen a kid play with one of those in a long time and how that’s a toy I was obsessed with when I was a kid.
At the time, I hardly saw any kids playing outside; no biking, road hockey, basketball, skipping, etc. NOTHING! I let her know that we were always outside as kids, came in for dinner and then back out until the street lights came on. “All kids seem to do is be glued to technology…” I said. She laughed, mentioned she was the same way I was as a kid, always outside running around and getting dirty. She said she encourages her kids to use technology for studying and such, but she also provides a limit and parental controls. She said she wants her kids to be outside enjoy the sun, fresh air, being active, creative and exploring.
I was stunned because it was so refreshing to hear a young mom say that. Her son even jumped into the conversation at that point, telling me everything he does outside with his siblings and friends. He even showed me some cool yo-yo tricks, and in return I showed him ‘Walking the Dog’, which he thought was awesome. Kudos to me! He knew all the super hard tricks, but not that one, go figure!
It was such a wonderful experience and interaction. The mom was very kind and polite and the son was so full of life but so polite as well. To me, it was such a positive interaction and one I’ve gone back to in my memories often. It’s probably part of the reason I want my daughter to grow up in a similar manner.
Maybe that’s a lame encounter but it made an impact on me.
Ciao!
Mama on the Move 