Surprise Encouragement

The other day we planned a short family outing.  Our close proximity to Ann Arbor gives us the ability to take advantage to many of the interesting festivals that take place during the summer.  On this particular day we were hoping to check out an "Architects of Air" exhibit that promised to be children-friendly (we didn't end up making it, but that is beside the point.).

Downtown Ann Arbor is a lovely place, and because my husband maintained the view that there was no way we would find parking closer, we ended up using a structure several (hundred, or so it felt) blocks away from the exhibit.  Thus, we walked - Dad, very pregnant Mom, four children.  We saw other families, yes...but no more than two children tops, and no pregnant women.  I heard a few people counting, as I often do when we are out together.  A not-so-quiet whisper can carry quite far, so I was reminded to maintain a positive image while marching down the street with my clan.  No one smiled at us.  No one said a word to us.

After a long day of traipsing about the city, we were making our way back to the structure when a man stopped us - probably mid forties, African American.  He stopped us with a huge enthusiastic grin.

"You have a beautiful family.  Wow, you guys are awesome, I just love seeing a big beautiful family like yours.  Are they all yours?  You are amazing!  You ARE the future!  I am just SO HAPPY that I saw you!  It just made my day.  Absolutely beautiful!!!"

And you know what?  Neither J nor I could wipe the grins off our faces after that.  My feet were swollen, my arms aching from carrying tired kids and I was totally ready to throw in the towel on the day, but I suddenly had a fresh spring in my step - and a renewed glow of pride for my family and the hard work we put into it.

It reminded me how very very important it is to encourage people, to cheer them on, to applaud the efforts of those around me.  It can truly make a difference in someone's day...possibly even in their life on a broader scale.  Whether or not we realize it, we all need encouragement - and we all can benefit from it.