Have you ever read through the “Missed Connections” section of Craigslist? It can actually be quite comical. People posting about their random interactions with strangers. Hoping that person will read their post, remember their casual encounter, and contact them to reconnect. I wonder how many of them ever really find the person they were searching for.

Then I started thinking about what missed connections would look like from a motherhood standpoint. We could call them “Unmissed Connections”. In motherhood these would be the moments that you can’t believe actually happen. Random daily interactions with the strange little people that live in your house.

Here Are My Unmissed Connections:

• I was trying to hide in the bathroom. Door closed. Hoping for just a few minutes of alone time. You showed up, tablet in hand. You were watching an episode of Shimmer & Shine. You said, “I didn’t have anywhere else to be.” Let’s do that again.
• You were playing on the floor with a baby. I heard the baby start to cry and turned in that direction. I saw you hugging her close to your body as if you had just fallen over. We locked eyes. I asked what happened. There was a brief look of panic before you said, “I don’t know, she just started crying.” Maybe it was just me, but the tone of your voice made me think there was more to it. I wish I could find you again to ask what you really meant.
• As I pulled away in my car, I saw you. You were wearing that cute dress with the hearts on it. You were looking right at me, watching me leave. I waved. You smiled big and waved furiously back. I am pretty sure I saw you mouth the words, “I love you”. In the moment I wasn’t sure. I know now that I should have stopped. I think I missed an opportunity.
• It was late. I thought I would be the only one still awake, but there you were. Repeatedly. It was like you were looking for reasons to come and talk to me. There’s no way you were really that thirsty, and I know that you knew where the restroom was located. After a couple of hours, you just disappeared. I realized then how much I missed seeing you. Next time we meet like that, I will be ready.

What missed connections did you have today?