I wrote this last October 2015

It was 11:00 am, Darren and I have just checked in at the Mactan International Airport in Cebu, we had about 50 minutes before boarding time so we decided to go to the cafe, grab some coffee and share a sandwich. The cafe was a bit busy, filled with interesting people. A Filipino-Caucasian couple in their 60's, looking very well-travelled and happy, a Korean couple with a 2-year old girl in her buggy, a group of Filipino men ordering noodles, a young mom and her 6-year old daughter who was playing a game on her iPad and asking about a dozen questions. It was a bustling airport cafe.

After our coffee, I went to the ladies’ room and took the first of four stalls, 2 in the middle were empty and the last one was occupied by someone crying. I could hear the young mom and her 6-year-old daughter talking in Tagalog while washing their hands on the sink:
Daughter: Mama, why is the lady crying?
Mother: I don't know, just finish washing up your hands
Daughter: Do you think she might be hurt?
Mother: I don't know, darling
Daughter: I wonder why she is crying…

I wondered the same. I stepped out of the stall, washed my hands, smiled at the young mom and little girl, then I walked towards the last stall and knocked. "Are you okay in there? Do you need help?", after lots of sobbing and sniffling the door opened to a teary-eyed middle-aged woman.

Me: Are you okay? Do you need any help?
Woman: It hurts so much
Me: What hurts? (my medical training bracing for action)
Woman: My teenage daughter, she says the most hurtful things..
Me (relaxing a bit): You know how teenagers are, very moody. I'm sure she doesn't mean the things she said.
Woman: But it hurts sooo much.... Do you have any kids?
Me: Not yet… but we're planning to
Woman: When you do have kids, love them with all your heart. You never know when they will break your heart (she is sobbing again)
Me: Would you like a hug? (young mom and little girl now behind me)
Woman: *sniffles and nods vigorously*

I gave her the most loving hug I could and we stood there for 2 minutes as she cried on my shoulder. I pictured my Mom, Darren's Mom, all the Moms I know, and it broke my heart. I gave her a kiss on the forehead and told her she is strong because she is a mother. All mothers are strong.

Me: I have to head back now, we're boarding soon. How about you?
Woman: I just need a few more minutes. Thank you very much, I feel so much better. You have a safe flight.
Me: You too.

The young mom and little girl smiled and walked out of the bathroom without saying a word.

As soon as we sat in the plane, I said to Darren, "Can I have a hug please?", he smiled and gave me a hug that soothed my heart and soul. Hugs are wonderful.