Bravery

Cold weather has come early to Pittsburgh, as, I suppose, it is to the rest of the country.

I was driving home from work, cold rain on the windshield, thinking about whether I would make it to day care on time and petulantly contemplating the failure of my car heater to adequately warm my toes in the completely non-sensible shoes I was wearing.

That's when I saw her.

A determined mom pushing a stroller full of groceries with one hand, holding an umbrella with the other, and carrying on her chest a blanket covered baby carrier with a little pair of pink fleece feet swinging as she walked.

I was struck by how much strength it took this woman to decide to go out in the weather, shield her child from the elements, in the pursuit of getting food for her family. I could feel the agony of needing things and yet worrying with every step about keeping her fragile baby safe. I wondered how she would be able to get everything on and off the bus. I wondered if she had anyone to help her out at home.

There are things in my life that are hard, but my day to day activities are so blessed. I go to the market in a car that affords me the luxury of wearing strappy shoes in freezing rain. My baby is always warm and dry unless I screw up. My husband carries the groceries.