The other night I went to the grocery store. Alone. Yes, alone. It is just easier on me that way–mentally and physically.

So, there I was in the check out aisle, brain frazzled from trying to make sure I figured out all the best ingredients and savviest savings. There was a mom in front of me. A mom with a full cart and a little girl sitting in the seat. A little girl who wanted to get OUT!

She wasn’t screaming. She just kept reaching out to get the conveyor belt, or turning around trying to get to the bottom of the cart. Considering all the kids (including mine) I’ve seen in grocery stores, she was actually pretty good. However, she was frustrating her mom, who was trying to unload the groceries as fast as she could.

Now, when I see an exasperated mom, I try to help out.  I’ve been there. I know what it’s like. I’ve also gotten braver with offering help since becoming an autism mom. You just never know, autism or not, when someone could use just that little bit of extra help.

Usually I try to talk to the kiddos and distract them, but I noticed four huge juice bottles on the bottom of the front end of the cart, and Mom X was on the back end of the cart.

“May I get those juice bottles for you?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t smack me for interfering.

She gave me a big smile and a look that said, “Oh, my word, you see what’s going on, thanks!” Then she simply said, “Thank you.” I talked to her little girl who was still precariously close to falling out of the cart, trying to keep her still and distracted from the belt of groceries she so desperately wanted.

The mom looked at me, almost embarrassed. I said, “Don’t worry. I know what it’s like. I had my two boys with me last time. This time, you notice, I’m alone.” She smiled, and we chatted here and there while she finished checking out. We both wished each other a good weekend.

I don’t tell you this story to brag about myself. I tell you this story to show you how simple it can be to make someone else’s day. I bet if you take the grocery store scenario alone, we all could make a big difference every time we go.

So, the next time you’re in the grocery store, remember my mom friend, and look for a way to help someone. Has there been a time a stranger helped you? Leave a comment and tell us about it! It will give us some inspiration.