Oath – Apr 30, 2012

“Thank you,” an old lady said to a man after he reached up and took a can of tomatoes from the top shelf for her. Tommy and his mother walked past them.

Mother had a long shopping list today, so she was busy looking for everything she needed. Tommy held a toy in his hands — something to keep him from bothering her — but he still stayed close. She didn’t look at him much, because she could hear his little voice and knew he was nearby.

Tommy lay down on the floor, trying to reach a toy that had rolled under the shelves, while his mother walked to the next aisle.

“Mommy,” Tommy called, but there was no answer. He wanted her to help him get his toy, but now… where was she?

Mother continued shopping, grabbing items from the shelves in front of her and behind her. Then she suddenly realized her son was no longer beside her.

“Tommy!” she shouted, pushing the cart quickly back toward the previous aisle.

Tommy was standing with an old lady, tears covering his face. When he saw his mother, he cried loudly, “Mommy!”

Mother thanked the old lady and held Tommy’s hand tightly. Tommy sniffled and said, “Mommy, my soldier is under the shelf.”

After they retrieved his toy, Mother continued shopping — but this time, she kept Tommy walking right beside the cart where she could see him.

Soon, they stood together in the checkout line with the other customers. Thirty minutes later, Tommy and his mother were home.