[Parenting #4] To you, whom I met while pregnant and whose name I do not know

1. To the sock shop clerk who suggested I change sizes

By the time my belly had grown quite large, I was mostly wearing dresses, so I decided to buy an extra pair of skin-colored tights.

Being petite, I always buy the smallest size.

When I brought them to the register, the clerk took a quick look at me and said,

"If you go one size up, it will be more comfortable around your belly."

That is what she told me.

I was flustered by the sudden suggestion, and as I thought (But I'm giving birth soon... I don't want them to be baggy after the baby is born, what should I do, what should I do), she seemed to read my mind and added with a smile,

The length (the leg portion) doesn't change much, so I think you'll be able to wear the size up without any issues.

She added that with a smile.

Encouraged by that smile, I bought the larger size.

Those tights have been a lifesaver, fitting comfortably both during my pregnancy and even now.

To the sock shop clerk, thank you so much for your warm consideration.

2. To the man and his pregnant wife who gave up their taxi for me

That day, I happened to have a lot of luggage. I believe it was a workday.

When I got off at the nearest station, it was drizzling, but I didn't have an umbrella.

Usually, I would just walk through the rain to get home, but because I had luggage, it was night, and I was already eight months pregnant, I decided to take a taxi.

There were about three groups waiting for taxis. That was when I lined up in the wrong place.

I waited on the right side when I should have been on the left side of the boarding area, and by the time I realized it, several more groups had lined up on the left.

I thought, 'Oh no!', and hurriedly moved to the back of the line on the left to wait for a taxi, but since it wasn't a major station, empty taxis were arriving only slowly.

Then, it was the turn of the group right in front of me.

It was a man and a woman in their 30s, and the man turned around and said, 'Please, go ahead.'

When I hesitated, saying, 'Oh, but...', he replied, 'You were waiting before us, weren't you?'

It seemed he had noticed that I was in the wrong line.

I gratefully accepted his offer and moved ahead to wait for a taxi, when the man spoke to me again, asking, 'How many months along are you?'
My belly was showing, so perhaps it was quite noticeable.

When I answered, 'Eight months,' he smiled and said, 'Oh, then we're the same as you.'

It was dark so I hadn't noticed, but his wife's belly was just as big as mine.

His wife was also pregnant, and even though it was a rainy day and they must have been cold, they both smiled and let me go ahead of them; I felt both apologetic and so grateful...

While I was fumbling for words, a taxi arrived, and we parted ways before I could properly talk to them.

Thank you so much for that time.
I'm sure you live in the neighborhood, so perhaps our children will end up at the same school.

If we meet again, please let me thank you properly.

3. To everyone who gave up their seat for me on the train

I am truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly grateful for that time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all of you, both my child and I are currently healthy and doing well.

I vow that from now on, whenever I see a pregnant woman, I will reach out to her as warmly as you all did for me.

I will show my child how to do the same by setting an example!

I truly hope and pray that only happy events come your way for at least the next six months!!

I experienced so much warmth from so many people during my pregnancy.
No matter how much gratitude I express, it will never be enough.

I will pass on the kindness I received to the next person I meet.

I hope this article finds its way to you.