I have two daughters, 4 years old and 2 months old. I have not been out of the house a ton since having my newborn. She was a NICU baby and the first couple months have been an adjustment. I’m struggling with postpartum anxiety but getting through it.
Tonight I could not figure out dinner and my 4 year old asked for a chicken quesadilla from Applebees - easy enough. I placed the order for carside to go at 5:23. It said it would be ready at 6:00. I got to the restaurant at 5:58 knowing I’d be waiting a few minutes. At 6:17 someone came out asking my name and said they’d be right out with my food.
Meanwhile, my baby was SCREAMING. I kept getting out of the car and going to the back trying to soothe her, finally having to take her out and hold her. My four year old was practically in tears because of the screaming (plus she feeds off my emotions when I’m frustrated).
Eventually I put the baby back and was fighting back tears when the woman in the car behind me yelled to me telling me how great of a job I was doing. It meant so much to be seen by another mama in that moment.
I finally got my food at 6:35 and we are now all home and fed and okay. Thank you to that mama who saw me tonight and helped me get through that moment. I needed to hear that.
Just a note- I understand the service industry and am not trying to bash this restaurant. I know how it works, places get busy and things take longer. I even use to work at that exact Applebees.