Subway Moment: A Quiet Turn of Phrase Spoke Volumes

Shana Farr
May 20
2 min read

While riding the New York City subway, I struck up a conversation with a young mother traveling with her 2½-year-old toddler and a stroller in tow--not easy to do, believe me!

She admitted she was nervous—she hadn’t been on the subway in years. But she was heading to a job interview, and like so many single mothers do, she brought her little one along.

Her toddler wasn’t speaking yet, but he made sweet, bashful eye contact that made my heart melt. As we chatted, she said something I hadn’t quite heard before.

Most mothers say, “I never knew unconditional love until I had my child.”

But this mom said, “I didn’t know how much I needed him until I had him.”

That quiet turn of phrase speaks volumes. The first speaks to the love a mother gives—boundless, selfless, and pure. But the second reveals something more personal: the love she receives. This little boy, even without words, fills a space in her heart she hadn’t known was empty.

She’s a single mother, and though the journey isn’t easy, she’s deeply grateful. In him, she’s found not just someone to love, but someone who gives her love in return—a love that grounds her and gives her strength.

I was in awe of this young mom’s quiet determination. What seemed to me like a daunting day—navigating the subway with a toddler and heading to a job interview—she took in stride. She was making the most of her circumstances, showing up with grace, grit, and love.

It was a powerful reminder that every mother’s story is different. We don’t always see the full picture. Behind every stroller, every tired glance, and every quiet moment on the train, there’s a story of love, resilience, and the deep, complex bond between a mother and her child.

✨ At The Baby Promise, we believe every mom deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. If you’ve had a moment that reminded you of your own strength—or the strength of a mom you admire—we’d love to hear it. Share your story in the comments, tag us on Instagram with #TheBabyPromise, send us a message, or share it here. You never know who your story might inspire. 💛