We spend so much time worrying about others that we often forget to worry about ourselves. 

 

Us mums have a tendency to forget our own health and wellbeing, concentrating on our children and partners first and foremost. 

 

So it comes as no surprise that when, Tova Leigh, witnessed another mum choking on her food at the zoo, she noticed this mum was paying more attention to her family at the table than her own hazard. 

 

 

A post shared by Tova Leigh (@tova_leigh) on

 

"She was sitting at a table opposite us with her husband and three kids. She was trying to catch her breath, while her son was moaning about not having enough ketchup, and one of her six-year-old twins was asking her to cut up her pizza."

 

"Her face was red and she looked so flustered, and not just because she was coughing, but also because clearly a million thoughts were going through her head all at once," commented Tova. 

 

Pondering what the mum could have been thinking about, Tova concludes she was probably thinking about her family, were they OK, had they washed their hands before eating, were their school uniforms ready for tomorrow, and so forth. 

 

The reason Tova had thought of this was because she knew that if she was in that mums shoes, it is exactly what would be racing through her mind too; she's been there. 

 

 

A post shared by Tova Leigh (@tova_leigh) on

 

"So she ate as fast as she possibly could, occasionally looking up, making an effort to smile and always making sure everyone else was okay. I obviously do not know this woman, but I somehow KNEW her because I've been her."

 

"I have been there, just as flustered, running on empty, feeling overwhelmed, trying to do it all and trying to please everyone. I think we all have. When we finished our lunch, I walked up to her and said hello."

 

"And just when her husband had lost interest in the conversation and was no longer looking, I leaned over and said in her ear 'you are amazing'."

 

 

The woman stared back at Tova in wonder, shocked at her words, but nothing prepared Tova for what this mum was about to do.

 

"This lady, pushed her chair back, stood up, threw her arms around me and gave me the biggest, most powerful hug I have ever received in my life. We stood there holding each other for a good while."

 

"I could see her husband's jaw drop and all three of her kids stopped eating and just stared. We said nothing after that, just looked into each other eyes (both crying obviously) and I walked away."

 

But the reason Tova is sharing her story is because she wants every mama to know that we are not always seen, appreciated or celebrated, but as mums we need to change that.

 

It is up to us to change how we are perceived and to celebrate the amazing work we do to keep our families running smoothly.

 

 

A post shared by Tova Leigh (@tova_leigh) on

 

Wanting to thank the mum she met at the zoo, Tova stated: "Thank you for allowing me to be there with you. You gave me such an amazing gift today and I cannot thank you enough for being so brave and valuable."

 

"I want you to know that I see you, that you are amazing and that you deserve to be celebrated. I hope you kicked your feet up when you got home and said 'f**k the laundry, mummy is resting' like the total boss that you are. I know I did."

 

We all deserve a hug every now and then- make sure you celebrate the mums around you for the amazing work they do for their family. 

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