Dear Olive, the amazing waitress who acknowledged my decision to breastfeed in public,
“I saw you nursing your baby, and I just want to say how proud I am of you. Thank you for your bravery in breastfeeding in public.”
You might not realize it, but your words that day helped restore my faith in humanity.
You had no idea that we lived 40 miles from the nearest grocery store and had just spent nearly two hours on our monthly shopping trip. You weren’t aware that our baby hadn’t nursed since before we left home that morning. That day also served as a special outing for my husband and our three little ones. And you certainly didn’t know that my mood was less than cheerful, thanks in large part to the attitudes of some shoppers we encountered.
Yet, on that Sunday afternoon, you greeted us with a friendly smile and provided attentive service. When our meal came to an end, you brought the check and took the time to thank me for nursing our baby in public. I listened in awe as you shared how you had seen me feeding right after we were seated. You expressed your pride in my choice to do something so natural, yet so often debated. Your frustration over anti-breastfeeding sentiments on social media resonated with me. And once again, you thanked me, leaving me taken aback.
Here you were, at least a decade my junior and with no children of your own, yet you carried a wisdom that seemed well beyond your years. It was a stark contrast to an experience I had just moments before meeting you. An older gentleman I encountered chose to respond to my smile with a stern “I was here first,” rather than the friendly exchange I had anticipated. His brusque demeanor left me feeling disheartened, but I didn’t let his unkindness alter my own approach. This incident had made me reflect on how we, as a society, can be quick to judge, and how negative encounters can overshadow our better instincts.
Then came you. You thanked me for something that, in my heart, I believed should be normal. Your unexpected kindness lifted my spirits and reminded me that there are still compassionate souls out there.
So, to you, Olive, the waitress who celebrated my right to breastfeed in public, thank you! You not only made my day but also rekindled my belief in the kindness of strangers.
Sincerely,
Your grateful breastfeeding patron, Lila
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Summary
In this heartfelt letter, Lila expresses her gratitude to Olive, a waitress who acknowledged and supported her right to breastfeed in public. Despite a discouraging encounter earlier in the day, Olive’s kindness and encouragement provided a much-needed boost to Lila’s spirit, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding in everyday interactions.
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