08/28/2025
FROM JETWAYS TO HAY DAYS!
(Grab a tissue!)
Blog Day!
⸻
Her Toes
Recently, I felt called to step in and help a single dad who’s been down on his luck. The little girl’s mama isn’t around—whatever the reason, she left—and he was desperate enough to swallow his pride and post on Facebook for help. That tugged at me, because I remember what it was like being a single mom myself. I remember wishing for someone—anyone—I could trust. Parents, grandparents, uncles, extended family… the kind of help so many people take for granted.
Now, I’ll admit—I don’t have the same energy I used to. This little girl runs circles around me! But then I stop and remind myself: this sweet child has no mama in her daily world. While her mama is gone, I can be here. Not to replace, but to stand in. She may not remember me years from now, but maybe, just maybe, she’ll carry a little less of the ache of that absence during this fragile season.
Today, while I was carefully placing a rainbow Band-Aid on her “owie,” I asked, “Would you like me to paint your toenails?” Her big hazel eyes lit up with surprise and she squealed, “Yes!!” So, I painted her little toes pink. My heart was full—until she grabbed the polish bottle, grinned mischievously, and said, “Your turn!” 😂
That tiny moment caught me off guard. Because as I painted those little toes, I thought of her mama. What kind of struggle pulls someone away from such a sweet, beautiful child? What in the world could possibly matter more?
I’d give anything to hold my babies again the way I did when they were little—close to my heart, rocking them in my arms, staring into their eyes, knowing how lucky I was to be their mama. This woman may not realize it, but she’s missing everything. These fleeting, fragile years… she’s taking them for granted.
I won’t. As long as I’m able, I’ll be here for this little one—for the scraped knees, the giggles, and yes… to paint her toes. 💕
