#005 Can I Hold That For You?

The simple act of helping someone do something which should be easy but their circumstances make it more difficult is the easiest way to act kindly. Shopping at Ikea can be an arduous task on your own, the first two times I went I couldn't work out how to get out of the place. Now I have two small children, Bibi who is almost three and Jack merely eleven weeks old, who make a simple shopping trip even more difficult.

So we were at Ikea, in the foyer downstairs, waiting for Nanna to arrive. Bibi was having a ball running in and out and around the princess and the pea style bed and fabric display when suddenly she announced, "I need to go toilet!". Now I know going to the toilet is something most of us take for granted as being an easy task to accomplish. However with a baby strapped in front and an almost three year old the logistics get a little more difficult.

First begins the frantic looking around for the toilet signs and then the rushed navigation to them. Normally in this situation I would have picked her up and hurried there, as you never quite know how long they can hold on. But with little Jack strapped on this wasn't possible so we held hands and quickly got to the loo.

Next, of course, there is a line up. Two lovely ladies, one who is pregnant with eight weeks to go and the other with a two year old. Bibi seemed to be retaining her composure so we stood in line and waited our turn. Luckily only the lady with the toddler needed to go and we chatted to her sister while we waited. When it was our turn, they asked if I needed to go too and if they could help by holding the baby. I thanked them for the offer but could manage by myself.

Now I know, the thought of baby stealing did cross my mind too, but I'm sure they had no such intentions. They were simply offering to help a mother with her hands full. It was a kind gesture and even though I didn't take them up on it, it still made me feel good to know that someone cared. How often do you see mothers trying to man handle more than they should with their limited resources of only two hands? Although most would never ask for it, a helping hand is often appreciated.