Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mel’s Show and Tell — The Kindness of Strangers

I haven’t participated in Show and Tell for a while, but I’ve been meaning to post about this.

I have been very blessed on this journey. Of course it’s been hard. Physically and emotionally. But had I not had gone down this difficult road to motherhood, I would not have known all of YOU! A woman who started out as stranger who read my blog, gave me the ultimate gift of life and has become family. I had thousands of dollars worth of gonal-f donated to me that enabled me to have my “closure” cycle with my eggs. I’ve received thoughtful gifts from other bloggers. (YAY for lucky socks!) And, oh my! Let’s not forget the massage therapist who came to my hotel room the night before my first donor FET courtesy of a blogger. Oh, I know I’m forgetting things, but those are not the focus of the story I want to tell today.

I talk to strangers. On checkout lines, on the subway, elevators, etc. While on the subway on my way to my little vacation in August, I struck up a conversation with a sweet 8 year old girl and her father. We started chatting on the platform and continued talking on the train. During the conversation I mentioned that I most of the big things for baby girl have been hand me downs. Which I am quite happy about. Infant things get outgrown so quickly, they often show no wear at all. (Not to mention the environmental benefit of not getting everything new.) I mentioned a neighbor I became friends with at the local Starbux who passed on the infant car seat and stroller frame, and a bouncy seat that her daughter has outgrown. (She’ll be at my shower this weekend, and next weekend I’ll attend her daughter’s first birthday party.) The father said, “You know, we have a stroller that we never used. We took it out of the box, but my wife preferred to carry her. I’d be happy to give it to you.” I was kind of stunned, but took his email address. After I got back from my trip I kept meaning to email him, but usually thought about it when I was not at the computer. Eventually I did email him, and about two weeks ago he brought the stroller over. He wasn’t kidding when he said they NEVER used it. It still has plastic wrapped around the handle.

I don’t have a picture of the actual stroller, as I wrapped it in plastic and put it in my basement storage room for now. But with a quick google images search, I found a photo.


This lovely former stranger simply requested that I email him a picture of the baby once she arrives. No problem!!

The world is a good place!

Don’t forget to check what the rest of the class is showing.

17 comments:

JB - A.K.A. Jenn said...

That is so unbelievably cool!!! I just love stuff like that.

I too strike up conversations with strangers as well....hubby always thought that was weird about me.

So glad that worked out for you! I am sure the little one will enjoy many trips in that stroller.

AnotherDreamer said...

Ah, the kindness of strangers :) Kinda makes me have a little bit of faith in the world again.

I am so glad for all the wonderful things that have been donated to you hun. I know I have benefited many times from donations on this journey, and I will be forever thankful. It is a great thing.

Prue said...

What a wonderful story!

I'm going to make a concerted effort to talk to a stranger today. Thnaks for inspiring me

Michelle said...

WoW that is an awesome story and a great gift!

Magpie said...

That is a nice tale. There is good in the world.

battynurse said...

Wow that's fabulous! So much better to hear about than how awful people can be to one another.

Once A Mother said...

wow what a fabulous and generous gift!

Kristin said...

How incredible! I'm so glad all these wonderful things are happening to a person like you.

PS...what is the date of your baby shower?

Anonymous said...

How nice!! There are kind, generous people out there! Very nice indeed!

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful - I too have been amazed by the kindness of strangers lately :) thanks for sharing your story.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is absolutely amazing. Makes me get the warm fuzzies!!! Happy Show and Tell!!!

George said...

People can surprise you in wonderful ways, right? Great stroller - it'll do the job, and that's all you need! Great karma!!!

MFA Mama said...

What a neat story! This baby seems to be surrounded by all kinds of good karma :)

kim2649 said...

What a great story!

Beautiful Mess said...

That's amazing! This story gave me the chills and made me all teary. This world can be so harsh sometimes, but there are SO many kind, amazing, and giving people in this world. It's those that make me a Polly Anna.
*HUGS*

Billy said...

Wow, what amazing people!
Good people in the middle of the road. And yes, the world is a good place :-).

Brenda said...

ahh, so nice to hear that there ARE wonderful people in this world :)