The Kindness of Helping Hands

"We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know."
― W.H. Auden

Attending a children's birthday party today, I was reminded of the kindness of parents helping each other at parties.  As the mother of several children, I have quite a few parties each year and I am always amazed -- and very thankful -- for the surprise help that I get.  I try very hard to be ready before guests arrive, but it doesn't always happen.  Invariably, and without any coordination, parents step in to do whatever needs to get done.  The early-bird parent will help to set out the food, other parents help during the party by taking gifts or cutting and passing out cake, and then there are the saints who help with the clean up.  I have rarely asked anyone for assistance during a party, and yet I am always so pleasantly surprised at the kindness of other parents (sometimes my friends, sometimes acquaintances) who jump in and work together to make things go as smoothly as possible, which greatly relieves my stress.  I appreciate their help more than I could ever express.