I always know what I’m going to get when I visit These Little Waves; a welcome pause from my hectic day and demanding tot, a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart and a smile on my face.
Galit writes the way I hope to someday. Her words are tender and delicious, inviting and rich with description and full of life. Galit’s letter this week is no exception. I dare you to read it and not come away feeling a little warmer from the inside out.
I am very honored to have my friend here today sharing a single moment that helped her through her early days of motherhood.
Dear Beth,
I know that’s your name even though we’ve hardly spoken. Our teaching days were busy and our schedules were different, but I remember you.
We passed in the halls and nodded our Good Mornings. Your flowing dresses, plum colored hair, and black tinted nails a sharp contrast to my crisp lines and sharp edges.
You were vivid.
I think “new” is the best word to describe how I was then. New Minnesotan, new teacher, new mom.
Every week, my lesson plans were thoroughly penned and strictly followed. I wanted to know exactly what to expect – in everything I did.
Motherhood stretched that shade of my skin.
One time, you witnessed this.
Jason brought the girls to school for a visit
Kayli was three-ish and a rule follower, Chloe was one-ish and anything but.
She was mid-tantrum when you walked by.
Belly down, arms flailing, legs kicking, voice rising.
And I? Was lost. Blushing, sweating, tearing. Lost.
I was kneeling next to Chloe when the scent of your perfume, flowers and sunshine and all that is strong, caught me. In return, you caught my eye.
Shoulder back, chin up, smile wide. “Two?” You asked.
“Very.” I answered, brushing a strand of my hair behind one ear when what I really wanted to do was pull it forward, hide behind it.
But you didn’t let me.
You reached for my hand and said, “So been there.” And with one squeeze, you went on, your fuschia parting the way.
I’ve kept that moment of grace wrapped in my heart.
You opened my eyes, didn’t let me take myself too seriously, and reminded me of all that is kindness and all that is grace.
And for that? I thank you, and remember you.
Galit
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Thank you so much for having me here today, Tonya! xo
The pleasure is all mine!
I know this letter will resonate with so many moms.
I love it when others give me that knowing nod or gentle smile when I’m struggling and near wits end with Lucas. Such a small gesture that means SO much.
This is just gorgeous, Galit. It’s so true that those moments can be smoothed with a small gesture; I hope that in the hustle and bustle of life I can be that for someone, some day.
Thank you so much, Angela! I hope for the exact same thing! 🙂
Beautiful letter Galit. Thank you for sharing that small but oh-so-important moment that we as moms, all need from time to time.
Thank you, Alison!
{Good things and small packages, yes?}
I love those incredible moments when someone picks your spirit up right when you need it.
Mandi?
That was so beautifully put!
Thank *you!*
{truly}
A moment of kindness when you’re frustrated is unforgettable. Like always, you describe it so well. Of course I have been in similar situations — I could probably only remember the sweat and an expletive or two. Loved this.
Thanks so much, sweet friend.
{I decided to leave out the expletives- wise choice, yes?}
Such a beautiful, small moment, but one that every mother needs.
Thank you, Kim!
{And amen! You’re so very right!}
Sometimes that is all we need to help us feel better. Just that knowledge that we are not alone and that support that it’s okay.
Yes, this. Exactly this.
{Thank you, Jess!}
Such a beautiful post. Sometimes all we need is a little compassion and understanding.
Thank you so much, Barbara! And yes- I agree completely!
What a simple and beautiful gesture. Love this. xo
Thank you, Tracy!
{so much}
xo
Oh Tonya what a glorious post from Galit!
Galit…this was so special and lovely. I hope Beh is somewhere knowing how she helped in that moment. Plus you got that hand squeeze..that moment of levity and calm in an otherwise crazy day.
I try so hard to be a “Beth” for other people, to let them know that no matter how bad it seems that in one way or another we’ve all been there and that as human beings we are “here” for each other…with a little empathy and a well placed hand squeeze.
Wow, this was beautiful.
Thank you so much, Kir!
And yes, I’m so with you- we should all squeeze hands as often as possible! 🙂
We all need to be a Beth, for the minute it takes to make such a huge difference in someone else’s life … it is so worth the time and effort!
Beautiful words always Galit xxx
and HI, waving to Tonya, lovely to see you too 🙂
Thank you so much, sweet friend!
And yes, you’re so right- we could all use to give {and get} small moments like this!
xo
Such a small gesture that means so much. There is so much here in such few words. I love how she was so much different than you yet you admire her. I love that you point out the vast differences but pinpoint what makes so much of us moms/women so much alike. I love it all, Galit. It inspires me to do more small gestures.
Thank you, Tayarra, so very much!
{You’re in my heart for this one!}
Oh yeah. Isn’t it amazing how the publicly timed tantrum can wilt a good day? Or how an understanding witness can help you bloom again?
Yes, exactly.
{And thank you! 🙂 }
This is beautiful, Galit. Such a sweet moment to hold close to your heart. Love.
Thank you, my sweet friend, so very much! xo
Oh bless her heart.
I remember one day at the park my son had lost it. I was in the throws of postpartum depression and I tried so hard to hold it together.
An older woman came up to me and all she said was “It’s ok. You’re doing a good job. They all act that way.”
It was the most comforting thing I ever heard.
It made me feel less alone.
I think we as moms would fair out so much better if we all supported each other…even strangers that way.
As always, you blow me away with your writing.
Where’s that book already?!
Thank you, friend- for your words and your story. You managed to make me feel shoulder to shoulder and way supported by you all in one little comment!
{And I’m writing, I’m writing! 🙂 }
What a kind act…seems SO small, but when you’ve been there? It’s HUGE.
So lovely to see you here, Galit!
Thank you, Sherri, so very much!
I love those moments – when someone else understands.
Yes, this.
{Thank you so much!}
There is nothing more soothing to the soul than a little understanding is there?
Agreed. {wholeheartedly}
Lovely.
Brought a lump to my throat.
Sweet moments when LIFE happens.
Not so much to someone else perhaps but a HUGE moment in ours.
Love your words, as always, friend.
{You just never know what might stick with someone, do you?}
Just wonderful.
Thank you, Pamela- so very much!
Isn’t it amazing what an impact a small gesture of support can have? This is a beautiful letter, Galit. While it is meant to showcase Beth’s kindness it also tells of your sensitive and appreciative soul.
xo
Thank you, Dina!
Your kind words are just that -so very kind- and very much appreciated!
xo
I agree – Galit’s writing is so warm and refreshing. And this woman sounds wonderful. We can all use a little grace.
Thank you, Jennie!
{And amen! We all so could!}
Awesome. Post. And what a lovely tribute to someone who helped you gain wisdom in motherhood those years ago. I didn’t know you were a teacher! Why am I not surprised!
Thank you so much, friend!
{And yes, I taught for almost a decade!}
Oh my heart! Galit, I can’t even wear mascara when I read your posts. What a wonderful moment for two moms to share. I wish there was more of that. Also, I should’ve known that you and Tonya would be friends…such wonderful women and moms!
Thank you so much, Kristen! I so appreciate your words! xo
What a nice memory. Your writing is lovely, thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, Coreen!
What a wonderful gift you were given, and I’m sure, have passed along to MANY others!
Thank you for your kind, sweet words!
{truly}
I love how you described Galit’s writing: Her words are tender and delicious.
I completely agree.
Thank you so very much, Angie!
{so kind, so generous}
xo
So sweet. We all need someone like that in our lives – and to look out for places to be that someone for others. Such a lovely letter.
Yes, this. Exactly this. I couldn’t agree more, and will be on the lookout!
{Thank you!}
I remember when my oldest was having a tantrum of epic proportions on our way out of a Franklin show. She must have kicked her boot off, and someone came running up behind me to return it. I will never forget that act of kindness during one of my worst moments. I love hearing stories of other people that have made a difference.
Andrea,
I so love that you shared your story of kindness!
That? Is *pure* lovely!
If only everyone could be just as understanding with little children the world would be a better place.
Beautiful letter, sweet Galit.
And what a great way to feature other bloggers, Tonya. 🙂
Thank you, dear friend, so very much! xo
It is amazing how a small gesture can resonate and ripple for years, causing other kindnesses as it goes. This is gorgeous, Galit.
Thank you, sweet friend!
{truly}
Tonya, like you, I too aspire to be able to write like Galit one day. She’s an amazing writer, but above all she writes from her heart, which I can say is as vast as the ocean, really.
Galit, your post reminded me of moments such as the one you described here that had happened in my life. It always amazes me, how such simple gestures, when done out of the goodness of one’s heart, can make such a powerful and lasting impact on our lives. It is one of my life goals to be that ‘someone’ who can touch others’ lives in positive ways in small, simple ways. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s one that has warmed my heart 🙂
Thank you, Sweaty, so much for all of this kindness.
It absolutely made my day reading your words! {truly}
Galit, I love EVERYTHING you write. I think I’ve told you that once or twice…
But this? Oh, this made my heart sing. I love that you remembered (of course you did) but I soooo love that she reached out.
Women are capable of so much when we band together.
Gorgeous.
Thank you, sweet Angie! I absolutely adore what you wrote!
Yes, banded together we are capable of so, so very much!
xo
What a beautiful letter this is Galit. It’s nice to know we are truly never alone in times like these. I’m glad you were visited by a kind stranger at this precise moment.
XOXO
Thank you, my dear friend!
Yes, never alone. That is *so* something to keep in our pockets, isn’t it?
xo
What a sweet moment. How wonderful that you were able to recreate it here on Tonya’s blog in this letter. Did you send this letter to Beth? Does she know what an impact that event had on you?
Thank you so much, Leah!
{I actually didn’t. But I so should, right?}