In the long run

 I was riding my bicycle one afternoon in New Orleans where I live.  Peddling down a street, I looked to my left, and I saw a young woman pushing a baby stroller.  She had that determined look about her I had seen on so many mothers’ faces all my life.  It was clear she had things to do.  I could see her mind working as she pushed her baby forward with a strong stride.  I slowed down, so that for a moment or two, I was traveling at the same speed as she.  I saw her take her phone from a bag attached to the back of the stroller.  She punched in a number, began talking, and continued pushing the stroller along.  Has there ever been a more capable multi-tasker in this world than a mother?  I’d seen this sight thousands of times, but this morning it gave me great solace and hope.  This mother was doing what mothers have been doing, in one form or another, forever.  This hasn’t changed.  Mothers are pushing strollers everywhere.  And they always will.