You’re a female. How do I get my daughter’s to take faster showers?

• Duh. Yes. I am a female. Brilliant observation.
• So, because I’m a female, I have all questions about all females?
• Who are you, and why are you talking to me?

My filter was engaged, so I said none of those things. I quickly realized why he was asking. He told me he had just gotten custody of his girls, and he was adjusting. Without him saying it in exact words, I knew (1) he was proud of his girls and thankful they were living with him and (2) he was going through some significant life adjustments.

He didn’t need me to fix anything or offer suggestions. He was just sharing. He needed to say some things out loud. I smiled and told him I didn’t have any magic answers, that parenting is challenging, but it is also fun and rewarding. I told him he could do it, to just take it one day and one challenge at a time.

He smiled and thanked me.

That was it. Who knows if I will ever see him again.

Sometimes people ask questions, not for an answer but to simply be heard, acknowledged, and encouraged.

Notice people who come into your life, even if only for a brief moment.