A special lesson at Wal-Mart

A few weeks ago, Taylor and I were at Wal-mart grabbing a few groceries while my mom watched Cooper. (oh how date night changes once you have a baby!) As we were checking out, the cashier noticed that I was buying Neosure, the special preemie formula Cooper uses, and commented on how expensive formula is. I agreed, and then told her that we had to buy this special kind for our baby who was born prematurely. She asked how early Cooper had been born, and I told her 26 weeks. As soon as the words left my mouth, her eyes filled with tears but she smiled and asked us how he was doing. I shared a little bit of Cooper's story, and she was very gracious and then shared that she had also had a 26 weeker, born in 2001 who only lived for three hours. Taylor and I both teared up as she shared a special testimony about how much she loves her baby and that she knew she would be with her again. The nice woman also told us that the stress and trauma of losing this baby was too much for her husband, and he had left her and her three other children shortly after losing their daughter. By this time, the tears were flowing pretty freely for all three of us. This woman was so positive and strong as she shared these personal details with Taylor and me, and wished us the best as we finished getting our groceries and left the store.

Once we were outside, Taylor and I could hardly speak because we were so touched by this kind woman. We were also reminded how fortunate we are to have a baby who defied the grim odds of being born at 26 weeks. This kind lady touched my heart in many ways and reminded me of valuable lessons. We truly never know the burdens and experiences people around us are carrying. I was so humbled that the cashier shared her story with us, and I still wish there was more I could have done for her besides offering a few words of comfort and thanking her for sharing something so personal with us. As we drove away from the store I resolved to be more mindful of those around me, strangers or not, and try to ease the burdens they may be carrying.