If you really want to get to know a stranger

Go to the Post Office.


Since I have had Bridget I have noticed that wherever I go people tend to open up. I don't know if a baby makes them feel vulnerable or the fact that I am usually wrestling around a squirming child, a car seat, and an overloaded diaper bag makes them feel that I couldn't possibly judge them. 


It usually starts out with them giving me advice on how to raise kids. 
(Sometimes I really do appreciate what is said.) 
Then for some reason, if there is enough time, it turns into a autobiography. 


And when you are at the post office, there is always enough time. 


Yesterday while standing in line I got to know the two unrelated ladies behind me fairly well. I know their names and addresses, I know that Laureni has two kids; Ashley and Michael. Ashley is living in Finland right now on a study abroad and Michael's birthday is on Saturday. 


But Debra, poor Debra has had a rough life. Both of her children were miracles, very difficult for her to get pregnant. A couple weeks ago one of her employees had a stroke while showing some customers a vacuum, he's ok but still down. She was a daddy's girl and her dad died a few years ago of lung cancer, so she took her mom in and she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Debra herself gets a mammogram every year and they found a cancerous lump in her breast, when they went in to remove it they found two more. 


It was a lot to take in while in line at the post office.


Sometimes people just need someone to listen. 
And a hug. 
Hugs have the ability to soothe the soul. 

And so does this little lady, she can soften any heart.