I was on a somewhat packed subway train the other day when I noticed a young man, possibly in his mid to late 20ties, take off his headphones and signal to catch the attention of someone sitting across from him.
Following his gesturing right hand, first, I noticed a young woman with a baby in her lap. Next, I noticed that the baby had a ring of keys in his mouth. Not fake plastic keys, but active everyday people keys.
It appeared that the young mother had been engaged in conversation with a young gentleman and another child who looked to be about 3 or 4. The young gentleman, holding on to the black baby carriage next to them.
Upon realizing why the man across the aisle had been signaling to her, the mother looked at her baby, then quickly, but gently, extracted the keys and thanked the man.
Now keyless, the little baby wiggled his body, his little arms partially outstretched as if posed to take flight. But he didn't seem to mind the loss. He continued to sit on her lap, courtesy of her cradling arms, seemingly content with how things had played out. He seemed so happy go lucky it came as no surprise that a few seconds later, his little hands replaced the vacated position inside his mouth.
My heart sighed an, "Aww." I fell a little in love with him. He seemed so content -- the energy of him felt so peaceful.
Everyone involved in my experience had my admiration and well wishes-- the stranger who chose to say something, the mother holding her baby-- I was really drawn to the fact that she was holding him and how she was holding him-- as well as her gentle but quick response, and the baby whose presence and disposition just made my heart smile.