I know that it’s been a while since I have blogged. Yes, the love-hate relationship with words continues. No matter how hard I try to exorcise writing, it keeps creeping back into my being. I tried to replace it with sewing and other activities but it just won’t relinquish its grip on me. So today I decided to give in and write.
Today I walked into the Ladies’ restroom at work and was greeted with a familiar sight. There was a woman standing at the sink rinsing out little pumps. I was able to identify those little suckers immediately. She was rinsing out breast pumps. I said to her, “Boy do I remember those days”! I watched as her face lit up with the realization that she was among a kindred spirit. So we chatted about breastfeeding a bit. She told me that she hates pumping in the little alcove in the restroom. I have to admit. It is dark and semi-private. I would hate it too. She was new to my building and came from a building where she a comfortable office in which to pump. She asked how long I nursed my daughter (who is now 11) and I told her six months. She told me that her son is 6 months and weighs 18 pounds.
So I did what it seems I always do. I gave her a verbal high five. I encouraged her. I told her that it’s wonderful that her son has been breastfed exclusively and is so healthy. I told her to keep up the good work. I also told her that my 11 years rarely gets sick and I attribute that to being breastfed for six months. That gave her hope. We chatted about how difficult breastfeeding is. I reiterated that her hard work is going to pay off in the long run.
Let me be honest. Today, I feel like crap. I had to drag myself out of the bed in order to come to work. Unfortunately that has been the case the last few weeks. I’m working on some things but it’s a process. But I realize that I came out of my fog long enough to encourage a woman I have never met. I may not see her again as my building is pretty big. But in that moment, however I was feeling was secondary to giving this nursing mom a verbal high five. I hope that it helps make breastfeeding a little easier for her. I wanted to let her know that she isn’t alone and that she is doing an amazing thing for her son.
This type of behavior is pretty typical for me it seems. My big sister pointed it out to me when I told her what I told my brother-in-law who is incarcerated. He recently received his GED. I told him that I was very proud of him. I encouraged him and told him to keep up the good work. She thought that was magnanimous of me. I didn’t see the big deal. She explained that I was encouraging someone I had never met. True, I have never met my brother in law. Yes, he was pleased that I mentioned his accomplishment. But that’s just me. I guess that how God made me.
My colleagues list among my strengths my ability to see the good in others. They say that I’m very good at making people feel good. They also say that I identify people’s strengths. That embarrassed me a little I must admit. But I was surprised to know that this is who others view me. To me, I’m just being me.
I think that it’s nice to hear a compliment from someone. I also think that it’s important for people to know that there is someone out there who can relate to whatever they care going through. Sometimes that can be the difference between life and death. Literally. You never know what a person has been through that day. One kind word or an encouraging sentiment can go a long way.
Quite honestly, it makes me feel good to put a smile on someone’s face. There is a certain joy in knowing that you can use words in a way that validates someone else. I’m blessed to have the gift of communication. Although I do admit that I don’t always use it in my favor.
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