Her name is Mary Lou.

I finally got to the mini playground after what felt like a super long walk (how it feels with two little ones in one stroller) in the forest trails of a little town nearby. It was about 85 degrees out, which felt like 95 at the moment, after running around after two little ones! After finally finding some shade I parked the stroller and set my older one free to run around and get some energy out. I couldn't help but notice a women in a wheelchair slowly passing by. She looked like she was in her mid 50's with shoulder length grey hair. By the looks of her, I could tell that it was hard for her to get

around as far as taking care of herself. She quickly notices Johnny on my hip (my second little one), and does the typical "your baby is so cute" comment. Our simple hello turned into a conversation I didn't think I would have that day. To my surprise, she was very open and sweet.

"I also have a son, but hes already 30" she said proudly.

" Before I know it, my kids will be that age too!" I surely said.

She went on telling me her little story on how her son was born with a numerous amount of health issues that required months in the NICU, even open heart surgery, therapy. On top of that he also has Autism.

My heart sank.

"He lives an hour away, my sister has custody of him now that I cant take care of him anymore" she said with her last words quietly.

I can tell a sadness fell over her, as if she was reliving a nightmare all over again.

"Can you visit each other or call one another?" I said eagerly

"No I cant... I cant even do that. I miss him so much. Its all because of my sister, I have no right to speak to him or see him again. YOU are so blessed with beautiful healthy children! You are SO blessed.

I look down with guilt and answer "yes, I am very blessed."

Her words immediately take me back to the previous day. That day I had one of my "bad" days where everything seemed to go wrong. It was the kind of day I wanted to lock myself in a bathroom and hide from my kids for at least 5 minutes. It was a day I had the least patience. We moms all have those days right? I was so irritated and angry about everything. Here I am thinking: The loads of laundry never ends, the crumbs somehow appeared on their own after I JUST vacuumed the floor, the pile of dishes "piled up" on their own too somehow, Johnny isn't taking his nap again, and Layla is whining for no reason. ALL DAY. And we all know how women's brains work, its like an never ending spiral of thoughts in one little box.

I told her that I will keep her and her son in my thoughts and prayers. She thanked me and said she was also a christian and gave her Life to God. That is what probably shocked me the most. I mean, she lost everything. No husband, no use of her legs, and now her son. Yet she gained Christ, who is everything to her now. He filled that empty void in her heart.

People say, "to be happy, don't compare your life to others." In some cases this may be true, but how can I NOT compare my life her's? By comparing our lives to other unfortunate ones, we begin to change. To change the way we think and act. To be a better mom and wife, to see things in a more positive perspective, and to not take things like a "bad day" so personal.

It was time for me to start heading back on the trail, and the lady asked "what is your name again?"

"Its Tanya, what is your name?" I asked.

"Mary Lou." she answered.

"It was nice to meet you Mary Lou" I smiled. I packed my babies into the stroller, and started walking back to where I came from. In my thoughts I was rewinding our whole conversation that we had over and over again...thinking, and praying, hoping she can reunite with her son one day. I also prayed to be a better mom, to complain less when things are going wrong, to be a better wife, to have more love in my heart. I always pray for more love. Love is ENDLESS and has no limit. Love conquers all.