Where I have found it more and more difficult to walk, I have conceded the need to travel even short distances by bus. So Gabby & I have been travelling the half a mile to our Friday playgroup from the bus stop opposite Immy’s school gate after drop off.

Seeing as I have walked pretty much everywhere since lockdown was lifted when Gabby was about 10 months old, the bus is very novel to her. She happily points out dogs being walked on pavements or Asda delivery vans driving along the road the whole way.

We go to playgroup, have a blast playing with farm animals. Afterwards, we cross the road to await the bus home. She clambers up on the seat and we sing songs and we chat about “Daddy at work” or “What shall we have for lunch?” “Sausage rolls! Banana. Raisins. And a cereal bar.

An older lady using a walker much like the one I used to travel with when Immy was around 2 so she could sit on the seat when she was tired, walked up, awaiting the bus.

Gabby is getting restless and I offer her my phone to watch some Paw Patrol. I have no interest in watching Paw Patrol two daughters in so I keep chatting to her about making a cup of tea and how Gabby can help. What we have played, why I liked playing it. How I will come and get her and Immy from school later and what snacks we can have once we’re home from school.  What was happening in Paw Patrol. How I loved cuddling her to keep warm. Playing Round and Round the Garden on her hands.

Then our bus arrived and I gestured for the lady with the walker to board before us. She turned around with a smile and said one of the nicest things a stranger has ever seen fit to say to me:

“I often see you out and about with your darling daughter and I think it’s lovely how you are always chatting to her.”

No judgement because my 3 year old sat on my phone. Just praise because, in spite of that, we are always chatting to one another. Constant back and forth. She is such good, sunny company.