While I was doing some shopping, I continuously heard a young child screaming and crying. It was heard throughout the store. When I got to the self check out, the mother was in the lane next to me, child still crying. People were in line, rolling their eyes and shaking their heads at each other.

I rang up my purchases, I mentioned to the couple behind me that I had never had children and it must be the hardest job in the world. They ageed with my and we exchanged looks of empathy for the mom. I decided to buy the mother a candy bar and mentioned it to the lady behind me. She thought it was a great idea, so I bought a Reese's bar and took it to the mom. I handed her the candy and told her that I thought she could use it. She broke out in tears and hugged me. People in line softened their gaze and gave me a nod of acknowledgement.

I glanced in her basket and saw it was 3/4 full with diapers, children's medicine, food and some small toys. I told her that I would like to pay for her purchase and she tried to refuse, saying it was too much. I told her that she was worthy of something good happening to her today.

I let her tend to her children as I scanned and bagged her items. One person started showing the crying child photos of a puppy on her phone, which calmed her down. As I put my credit card in the machine, 2 other people came up and gave me cash to help with the total.

I loved how all of strangers came together to lift this young mother up during a very hard time for her.

I, myself had been having a difficult morning, and my outlook was completely changed by this random encounter with strangers.