This post was written by Cindy Barnes an Allen Tate Realtor and our CMF Modern Grandma:
We’ve all been there. I am on an airplane, waiting for my four-hour flight to take off. A good book in hand, I’m ready for a quiet end to my vacation. Much to my dismay, a young mother, her two-year old, her baby, and multiple bags land next to me. I hope that by being quiet, but polite, I will be able to inhabit my cocoon. She’s friendly, smiling, apologizing, and engaging. I’m reserved.
She has an airplane safety seat for the two-year-old daughter. It hooks over the back of the seat, which isn’t regulation. There is a discussion with the none-too-pleasant flight attendant, who, like me, probably feels that this flight will be none-too-easy with this family aboard. The baby boy is in a sling and fussy, wanting to be fed. The little girl doesn’t want to sit in her seat. And momma? She is calm, friendly, and sweet to everyone, including me.
I really begin to like this young woman. I can’t help it. I hear myself say, “I have grandma skills. What can I do?” Not a thing. She’s fine. She settles in and nurses the little one. She distracts her daughter Annaliese with stickers and snacks. All is well. For a while. But two little tykes on a plane are a handful for even a great mom like Emily Chapelle. I volunteer again and this time she takes me up. I’m on baby duty, rocking, bouncing, and playing with Joseph, who is five months old.
I also hear Emily’s story. She and her husband Tofer, a navy fighter pilot, arrived at the Fresno , California airport that same morning. Both are graduates of Winthrop and were going to her sister’s wedding on Isle of Palms, South Carolina . At the airport Tofer gets called up for an eight month tour of duty on a ship in the Middle East , after ending another seven month tour earlier this year. He leaves; she adjusts. No drama, just duty. Momma boards the plane alone with two small children, replanes in Phoenix and encounters me.
I have had little peace since that moment. Spoiled me! Emily has grace and courage, often attributed to athletes, politicians, and others who don’t really sacrifice. She is doing her part, but with no whining and no expectation of special treatment. Her husband left his young family to uphold the principles we all espouse, but don’t have to live.
This summer two conventions have trumpeted American values. The politicians, like us, talk; and like most of us, have little on the line. Emily and Tofer live their values. What can I, and you, do? Vote, volunteer, and, sometimes, rock a baby.
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Turns out… Emily is a fellow-blogger! Check out her blog and learn how she lives each day in her “Joyful Abode.” Oh, and you’ll love this post about kids and travel… plus a shout out to the Modern Grandma herself! If you’d like to read more offerings from the Modern Grandma, check out here posts here.
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