I'm A"Special" Mom

I normally shop at our local Costco every other week according to my husband's pay schedule. I normally have 3 of my 4 children with me. Today, however, I was childless. I roamed the store at lightening speed and stopped many times thinking I was forgetting something because I was moving through the store so swiftly. Ironically enough, I was kind of lonely. I missed them rascally kids.

I happened upon some fancier dresses priced at a most reasonable price of $18.99 and decided upon two matching ones for my 6 and 3 year old for the holidays. I then proceeded to the checkout. The lady at the checkout commented on the dresses and our conversation went something like this:

Cashier lady: Ohhhh, these dresses are so cute!

Me: I know, aren't they though?!

Cashier lady: I only had a son (frown), he's 11. He's at that smart mouth stage. Boy, one was enough for me!

Me: Oh really?

Cashier lady: O yeah! I don't know how women do it! It has to be a "special" person to have more than one kid! (knowing nod)

Me: You think? I have a son and 3 daughters.

Cashier lady: (jaw drop and eyes bugged) You have GOT to be kidding me!

Me: Nope.

Cashier lady: Oh girl, you must be one of those "special" women.

Me: Not really. It's not any more difficult having 4 than it was 2. There's just more help.

Cashier lady: You think? Ohhhh, not for me, no way, you're just one of those special women.

Me: (awkward silence) Hmmm...


Honestly, I didn't know how to respond to this woman. I don't consider my family large at all. I certainly don't think you have to be a "special" woman to have more than one child. I do think people need to view children in a different light and see them as the blessing God intended them to be.

I have had many comments like this lately and while I certainly don't join in on the child-bashing that occurs, I am finding that awkward silence seems to shut people up faster than trying to defend my stance. There seems to be a self-imposed foolishness on their part when I keep my mouth shut. For those of you that know me, you know this requires great restraint on my part. For those of you who don't know me...this requires great restraint on my part.

At any rate, I'm holdin' my head a little higher today because I'm....special.