To you sir

2 nights ago. I barely remember the day because I'd had to call off work once again because of a bad migraine. It was pouring rain and I had already given my 4 yr old a bath when I realized his WIC vouchers expired that night. I was torn. We're both still reeling from the flu, it was storming and he was ready for bed. I knew that he needed that $30 of milk, juice, bread, eggs and cereal so I decided we had to go out. We went to the closest store and they rarely have any of his milk (he drinks soy because of tummy issues) but I was ok with getting less in order to get the other stuff.  They had none of his milk so both of us went back out in the pouring rain with nothing. My son said mommy, I'm so sleepy. I knew he was but I also knew I'd just missed over a week of work taking care of him and being sick myself, not to mention the over $350 bill I'd received from taking him to the doctor. I drove him across town and told him we'd get home asap. We got the items, thank God, and got in line. The 1 line that was open at 9 at night. The young lady started ringing up the items and I started bagging them because it seemed the other employees would rather stand around. An elderly gentleman (close to 80 I'd guess) got behind me with 2 items. I understand self checkout is probably overwhelming at that age but that's where 3 employees were just standing around, so they could have easily helped. The cashier messed up on the second order so I took the items out so she could rering them. While I'm at the end of the line bagging my stuff I heard the elderly man say, What's all this? To the cashier, pointing to my items. I didn't hear her reply because all I could hear was judgment. Thoughts came racing to my mind dizzily while he began to speak with the person behind him. I stopped what I was doing and stared at him. My 4 yr old may not comprehend your words but he understands tension. Do not speak as if I'm beneath you, especially in front of my child. The man continued to talk, refusing to look at me. Tears filled my eyes. I heard him say, "We never had this crap in my day." I was torn between being hurt and wanting to knock his false teeth out. How dare he? I work my butt off, heck, I'm helping pay your social security mister. The words continued to come out of his mouth. I heard nothing except pain, judgment and animosity. I wanted to scream, You don't know who I am! You don't know my daily struggles. In my mind I was telling him, I work! Sorry I don't make over $30,000/yr. I don't receive foodstamps, I pay my rent myself. I don't get help with any of my bills. I receive no child support. I'm a good mom! I'm not here to annoy you or get one over on someone, I'm here to help my child. I said nothing... I bagged our stuff and we went back out into the pouring rain. I put my son in the car, then the groceries and drove us home. I got my son in bed and did our normal bedtime routine then went back to the car and got the groceries to put up. Why did this make me so mad? Why did it hurt me so? I guess my heart is different from some and I try to put myself in others shoes. What did he mean? What was the intent? In his day? In his day, for the most part, mom stayed at home while dad worked. Mom was there after school. Dad brought home the bacon and paid the bills. There were more traditional families. I guess I cannot accept the fact that someone judged me based on what I do for my son. I'm not prostituting, I'm not selling drugs. I work hard even on my days "off." I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I do these things in order Not to be a statistic or a burden on society. I want my son to see how hard I work for him. What a huge menace to society you must see me as sir. Idk why it upset you so, seeing as my taxes go to the same places yours does. I guess you would know that if you knew me. Who knew people were so judgmental over a small food transaction? I won't allow you define me and however small others may see this, you're not in my shoes either. Your words and thoughts do not define me sir. I'm a stellar woman with great values and beliefs and I stand up for them. You should be ashamed. If you've always had it so good that no one has ever had to help you, you should be on your knees crying tears of joy. I'm incredibly happy life has been so good to you that you've never had to accept help from others. One would think that may make a person more joyful and less bitter. Thank you for helping me to reevaluate my life and see what an Incredible job I'm doing wearing the various hats that I do. I forgive you. It's not in my heart to hate, I was raised better. Maybe next time you'll see the tired child, the exhausted mom and rethink things. I want to commend you on not only berating me the whole time I was being rang up but, for watching me bag and unbag my groceries with no help. I would have and still would help you. I know you won't see this sir but maybe your daughter or son will. Maybe a person will say, Omg, I've done that and my words will give them a different perspective. The world could use a lot of different perspectives because from mine, you're a sad, angry, old man. I won't assume that though, that's not me. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a mother doing all she can for her child. Hopefully someone reads this and remembers that things are not always as they appear. Be slow to judge and quick to help. Imagine how great the world could be if we followed that advice...Blessings~Ophelia~☆♡☆