Motherself

In Austin there is a lovely hike and bike trail that provides a 3 mile loop with a stroller-friendly trail. I have been strolling my babies on this trail on and off for the past 3.5 years, and every single time, without fail, a man is sitting up on top of a little hill playing his guitar. And every time I pass him, he yells out, “Good job, Mom!” It doesn’t matter the time of day or season of the year, it doesn’t matter that we have never had a true conversation, still he sends off these well wishes to every mom he sees.

Now, yes, he is a little kooky, and he can’t tell my good days from my bad, but I have to say, every time I hear these words, I feel my spirits lift just a little. Random, unconditional compliments tend to make people smile. And how often do we hear those three words, anyway? So what if today you did kind of a crappy job. Overall, you are essential to the growth and development of another human being, and that is something truly grand.

Good job, Mom.