Stories of Kindness from Around the World

We've all seen it - one of those monster tantrums a young child throws in the middle of the grocery store - in this case it was happening in the checkout aisle next to me.  A harried mom was trying to buy her groceries whilst one of daughters was grabbing at her legs/ankles and howling.  She resembled a sprawling blob rather than a beautiful little girl she was.  In fact, it was the little girl's birthday (and apparently it was all too much for her at the end of this long day!).  The store clerks offered balloons and stickers, but it was all on deaf ears --- this little girl was having none of it. I felt bad for the mom, I offered a sympathetic smile and tried to engage with the child to no avail. After they left the store the checkout clerk commented "poor woman!" and I agreed that it was indeed tough.

I had noticed that the sister of the tantrum-thrower was still and quiet throughout all of the ruckus and I wondered what she was thinking! When I went out to the parking lot, I saw that the mom was still dealing with the same situation-.  The little kid was sprawled on the pavement pitching a monster fit and it seemed like she just couldn't get her into the car.  I went over to ask if I could help and she sort of shrugged helplessly. 

I went back to my car and grabbed a chocolate milk (which I had purchased for a special treat for my gave it to the older sister, "if your mom says it's ok, would you like to have this? You are being an amazingly patient big sister!" She smiled and took it, and I went off on my way. No big deal, but I hope it made the big sister feel a little better! (And maybe the mom too)