A YOUNG mother’s heart-warming message of love and support to her fellow parents has gone viral.
When Shelby Beck took to Facebook to share her encounter with a fellew mum in a Wisconsin park back in August, she could never have known the impact it would have.
Sitting outside with her toddler one sunny day, Shelby was approached by the unnamed mother who shyly asked if she had any sun cream she could borrow for her own child.
Shelby later recalled how embarrassed the mother was and how she repeatedly apologised for the intrusion.
It got her thinking about the pressures and difficulties of raising a young child.
So much so that, when she returned home, Shelby decided to share her story of the encounter on social media, alongside a message of support for any parents out there:
“This morning while at the park I noticed a mama playing catch with her toddler as she swayed back and forth, patting the tush of the newborn tucked tightly against her chest.
“A while later I glanced up to see her approach me. She shrugged her shoulders and quietly said “I’m embarrassed to even ask, but do you happen to have sunscreen we can use?” As if she was somehow ashamed that she forgot to pack sunscreen today.
“Dear fellow mamas,
“Please ask me if I have sunscreen. Ask if I have baby wipes, diapers or even extra snacks.
“Ask me if your toddler can sit down and play with us while you find a shady bench to nurse your newborn.
“Hand me your phone and ask me to take a picture of you with your sweet babies - we all know mamas aren’t in enough photos.
“Ask for help. Ask for love. Ask for anything.
“Even though we are strangers, please ask me.
“It’s not easy being responsible for little humans but it’s easier if we help each other out.
“We’re all in this together.❤️”
Birth rates fall in IrelandThe message struck a chord with mothers and fellow parents online. It’s been shared nearly 300,000 times, while the comments are full of praise for Shelby’s words and her supportive outlook.
“What a wonderful idealist, hope your message to all young Mums is acted on everywhere sharing is caring,” one wrote.
“This quite literally put me in tears... so well said,” another said.
Shelby has since returned to Facebook to thank those who got in touch and shared her kind message.
“Since telling my story, I’ve received sweet messages from people all around the world sharing stories of kindness and love. What more proof do we need that regardless of where or how we live, we’re all in this together.”
