Yesterday my husband and I went to the grocery store. As seems to be the norm nowadays, we had yet another deluge. So, my husband, being the gentleman that he is, ran out into the storm to retrieve the car and pick me up. Within those few seconds that he was gone, a gentleman tapped on the shoulder, asked to hold his baby, and without waiting for a response, handed me the little one - I'm guessing a 6-month old - and he promptly ran off into the rain. Befuddled, I just stood there. Thoughts that crossed my mind - gee, I must look like a trustworthy enough person for someone to give me his child without knowing me, and then, oh, goodness, did this man just leave his baby with me??? Well, we got the groceries packed up and were ready to go. No sign of the man. My hubby was a little concerned the baby was getting too comfy, laying his head on my shoulder and snuggling up nice and tight. (What a wonderful warm fuzzy feeling - sorry for the 80s terminology) A few anxious minutes later, the dad showed up, thanked me, and took his baby back.
Just another one of those experiences I never thought I'd have. But, it's nice to know that there is still a place in the world where people still trust other people enough to give their baby to a stranger and feel confident that no harm will be done.
Of course, had the guy run off and left the baby with me, hmmmm... now that would have been a dilemma.
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wow, i can understand not wanting your baby to get all wet in the rain but I think I would be terrified to give the baby to a stranger! You must DEFINITELY look very trustworthy, which we all know you are. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely "cultural" experience! It really is nice to know people are still trusting and not scared of everything.
ReplyDeleteI remember a few years back a Danish couple and their baby were visiting New York City and the couple went inside a coffee shop and left the sleeping baby in his pram/stroller outside the window (where they could see him). This is done in Denmark, and also in Holland in some places (I am Dutch), but not in NY. The parents were arrested and Social services took the child for several days. It was a real crisis.