As I'm sure many of you moms can relate, you have the smallest window of opportunity to leave your child when you're breastfeeding. I prepared all day in between each feeding for my grand escape that would only last approximately 30 minutes slowly getting myself presentable for the outside world. It was 5:30pm -- I was FREE!
Gotta love Target. Seriously though, I don't know how I ever leave that store spending less than $100 on what ends up seeming like nothing. When I first got there I passed by the clothes and realized I can actually shop in this department again -- YAHOO!! It's been months since I've had the urge to shop, let alone the ability to actually fit into normal clothing. I knew time was ticking though, so I passed the department up with a smile knowing that at least I had the option to shop there now. Yay for little victories!
Okay, so my point in all this rambling is sharing with you what occurred in the checkout lane. As I'm about to run my credit card -- literally purchasing diapers, wipes, nipple cream, diet coke, gold fish crackers and vitamins -- this is what I see being loaded onto the checkout belt behind me...
HELLO REALITY - Nice of you to smack me on my ass yet again!
All I could do was laugh to myself thinking that just a short five years ago, this was me. I have to admit at one week post-pardom, sleep deprived and completely swollen from head to toe, this wasn't the biggest "feel good" a-ha moment of my life. I snapped this quick picture, grabbed my bag and headed on my way all while reminiscing of times spent just as this young woman was about to encounter that evening. Good times.
As I raced back home knowing my little man was in need of his food - aka me - I was reminded that what I have now can never compare to what I "gave up" to be here. I've been blessed, and sometimes it's these types of encounters and realizations that remind us of such blessings and how truly lucky we are.
Besides, her and I aren't that different anyhow. Our Saturday night may begin in a Target checkout lane at 6 pm, but we will both wake up exhausted with a headache on Sunday -- just under different circumstances.
Cheers!