I haven’t been able to write much on the blog. There has been a lot going on recently as I have written for other publications, tried to wrap up the school year well, and – I confess – I’ve been binging on “The Americans,” but I wanted to join in on this week’s Five Minute Friday link-up. All of our posts in the FMF community are written in five minutes with no edits and no second guesses. This week’s writing prompt is: Cheer.
Over the weekend I flew to and from Phoenix for Tim’s cousin’s wedding and was reminded why I am grateful we don’t fly as a family anymore (think of posts like this one). There was the usual things you expect on an airplane with children. Crying babies. An overtired mom hauling two kids by herself. A child behind me speaking way too loud (but who miraculously fell asleep mid-flight, something my kids never did).
But the most stunning part to me wasn’t on the plane, it was what I saw before I boarded it.
I took a trip to the bathroom and as I walked to my stall, I noticed a woman standing in the corner of the room, her back turned to everything, with a small electric device plugged into the wall making a rhythmic whirring sound. It took me a second, but I realized what it was. The poor woman was pumping. In a bathroom. As discreetly as possible, but still in public.
I felt so much for her. The frustration of having to use a bathroom for such a sacred act. The humiliation of having your breasts attached to a milking machine in public. The extra time to be at an airport in order to continue to provide food for her baby. All sacrifices that are not celebrated or honored, but are at times called “disgusting” by a certain presidential candidate today.
As I stepped out of my stall and washed my hands, I couldn’t help myself. I had to say something.
“Great job.”
Startled, the woman turned her head..
“Really, I know what you are doing is not easy. It’s great.”
I felt silly, cheering on this mama in the bathroom. But I know if it had been me, I would have liked a bit of encouragement. So, I did it.
[Tweet “Let’s keep cheering each other on, mamas. You’re doing a great job. Really.”]
Isn’t it true? Sometimes we just need to hear from someone that the simple acts of motherhood are worth cheering! I’m glad you said something. I had a conversation with another mom the other day. She was discouraged because she felt like she should be doing so much more for God. Her comparison was to other moms who seem to be making great strides for God outside the home and she was missing the incredible job she’s doing in the moment to moment, day by day of training her kids up in the ways of the Lord. When I cheered her on for the good job she’s doing, she was in tears. She needed the encouragement so badly. Don’t we all! So I agree, let’s keep cheering each other on! Thanks for the blog.
I was just thinking about this very thing. I used to be on staff at a church and now that I’m home it’s harder to see how the work I do is meaningful. (And at other times I am horrified that I question how meaningful it is to pour into someone else when I would have never questioned it as a pastor.) Thank you for sharing with me how you cheered her on. We do all need a pep-talk now and then.
What a sweet post! Yes, I cheer for those mamas too. Both my daughter and daughter-in-law have been in similar situations. Pumping at court (testifying as a forensic biologist), before a wedding in the car (matron of honor), and similar situations. These mamas are the true heroes of our age. They risk ridicule and even their worldly dignity for the good of their children. The humble service they give is to be commended. Bravo, for voicing your admiration. I bet you made her day!
(your neighbor at #fmf)
BTW, I’m sharing your post on my Facebook fan page tomorrow at 11:00 am. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/DesignsbyBirgit
Thank you, Birgit! I’ll be sure it pass it on.
Thanks for stopping by, Birgit. I once had to breastfeed my son (who would not take a bottle) at a wedding, but had to basically remove my dress to do it. There was no room with enough privacy for this so I did it in my sister’s car!! I think so many of us have been there. I wish I could cheer on your daughters!
Great Job!
Thank you, Leslie!
Oh, so totally well done!!! I hadn’t thought about that as yet another reason to keep restrooms segregated based on DNA!
Thanks Dawn! And I would add we need provide better places for women to pump other than a germ infested bathroom!
I’m so glad you said something! I’ve seen that before, too — I always feel for the moms! I’m sure the woman you saw was encouraged. 🙂 So glad you took the time to join us for FMF again! Enjoy your long weekend!
I love FMF and always miss it when I can’t join. Thanks for reading!
Leah, I’m so glad that you said something to that momma. She did need cheering on. I’m over in the #7 spot this week.
Thanks, Tara!
Hi, Leah, that woman will never forget your encouragement. Oh, how I wish more moms would speak up for others, letting them know they’re doing better than they know, making good and beautiful in the world. That’s the kind of story that won’t let my conscience miss another moment to tell another mama her giving matters. Thank you for words that will stick with me. I must say, I love your writing style. I’m so glad I came upon your post tonight. Your friend in spot 67 this week.
Thanks for the encouragement, Christina! And thanks for stopping to read my story (and commenting!). I appreciate it.
I remember having to do that! Not fun. Good for you for cheering her on!
Not fun at all. Thanks!
I. LOVE. THIS. Thank you, Leah. Thank you for encouraging that precious mama, and for writing about her heroic act. The day we stop honoring mamas is one more step in dishonor of life itself. I’m “cheering” too, this week, with FMF… and I’m CHEERING for you and your post. 🙂
Thank you, Angela! I appreciate your enthusiasm!! 🙂 And thanks for stopping by this week.