En route to somewhere, I came upon a little lady of 3, sprawled on the sidewalk having a major meltdown. Imagine Kim Basinger at that age losing her cool, blonde tendrils draped on the pavement, a tiny butt perched in the air. 
A patient father stood a few yards away while a pissed off mother waited at the corner.
Susannah, don’t get into this, I said, but we know me better than that.
“We women have issues,” I said, smiling at the dad. “Sometimes all we need is a great big hug to fix what ails us.”
He smiled in kind but stayed put, not heeding my suggestion.
I looked at this beautiful, unhinged kid kneeling to her level and said,”you’re such a pretty girl. Why are you crying when you’re so pretty?”
Her tears stopped in mid-stream proving once again, age doesn’t matter when vanity pays a call.
She stared at me with blazing blue eyes not knowing what to think. If I had to guess it would have been, who the hell are you, and why should you care.
After a moment of suspension, she started weeping again, but not as heartily…whimpering not screaming. A subtle mewl more than a wail.
Her dad, still in position, reached out his hand she slowly took after reluctantly getting up.
Her tights were dusty, so I rubbed mine inspiring her to do the same.
She was the cutest little heathen you’ve ever seen, already self-possessed knowing who she was and who she will undoubtedly grow up to be.
I walked backwards hoping her emotions would stay in check while her eyes never left me.
As I approached the mother still fuming at the corner, I thought…no lectures Susannah. She’s all of 30 clearly overwhelmed so try not to pass judgment on her style of mothering.
I’m not dealing with this. She needs to learn to behave. I could have had a career.
Yes, we know this type of parenting. It’s called…what the fuck was I thinking having children.
I sidled up to her grateful for the red light and said, “your daughter is so beautiful. I know she’s being bratty, but I’d still kill to have her.”
She thawed remembering what a blessing she gave birth to despite the baby breakdown smiling the same smile she passed onto her daughter.
I guess it takes a woman like me, never blessed with babies, to be able to open the eyes of a girl who has.
SB
Very well could be, Susannah, “but I’d still kill to have her.” put it in the proper perspective.
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Despite her pique, she was still a little draw. That self -will could become legendary.
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Our youngest, she’s still that way.
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LOL
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I love how you are always in the place you are supposed to be to do a bit of good for the day…you handled that so perfectly!
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It’s because I can’t mind my own business. Now I know how an old-time cub reporter felt who spent their day searching for a story to write. I notice everything. It’s also because I grew up in an alcoholic home…you have senses like a cat ready for that glass to be tossed across the room.
I wasn’t lucky enough to have kids. I can’t help being envious of those who have them. She was a handful, but who isn’t Beverly, at any age 🙂
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You defused the whole situation. I hate temper tantrums on kids (no patience!). I had a nephew who used to have them when he was young. Now he’s a minister. They go away and you find a normal person there. Perhaps kids get frustrated too.
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Those little hormones playing havoc.
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You said all the right things, Susannah. I recall being a working mother of a toddler (later diagnosed with ADD). I had no trouble getting cooperation from all the people working under me, but my little boy wasn’t always good with ‘No’. A lecture or judgemental glare would only produce guilt. Your kind words brighten the day and lighten the load.
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I have no idea what kind of a mother I would have made, but it’s easy to be charming for five minutes, then on your way.
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I have been told that I had extraordinary temper tantrums. I have no memory of them. I do remember wanting to have them on occasion but knowing it was a bad idea. Makes me wonder what had happened when I did have them…must have been very unpleasant.
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I remember very little of being little. I sulked a lot…sensitive even then. My mother said, I would rock furiously in my miniature rocking chair, but I don’t recall that. Women…hard to have no say when you had one, even then.
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You played that out well Susannah. Where were you when my children were little? I would have loved to have had the advice of an Auntie Susannah! 😉 I wasn’t very consistent. I have a lot of hindsight. They would have benefitted greatly I’m sure. ~Elle
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I would have spoiled them rotten. Had an aunt like that and boy, did I love her. Auntie Ida was her name 🙂
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My grandmothers name was Ida. Wish I had passed it to one of my girls, though they would have been devastated. They refuse to use the name. Maybe Andrew will one day.
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I love the name…Ida…sweet as apple cida…ever hear that? LOL
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Me too. Daniel made a great one with his sword and patch over his eye.
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how precious! Such insight and wisdom, I am certain those parents will always remember you, and hopefully learn a bit. Just had little man here for ten days…. you would have had a ball with him. I did, but am barely able to function today!
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I love when you write about Little Man. Hint Hint.
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today’s post is about him…
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Okay…will read.
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hope you like it.
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Loved it 🙂
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thanks!
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There are days when I wish it was still acceptable for me to throw myself on the sidewalk…
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I saw 5 comments and thought…it has to be Top…who else would read so many inane essays at once. Yeah…me too. To kick my heels up with my butt in the air sounds delightful. LOL
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