All Eyes On The Girl
When this mom walked into the supermarket with her daughter, everyone looked worried. People were staring and whispering, thinking about what to do next.
But the mother wouldn't take any of it. She didn't have a choice. She had to bring her daughter with her, and she had to do it that way: with a sign on her back. Should people call somebody? Was the little girl in danger?
Single Mom
MaryAnn Fausey Resendez was a single mom who got fed up with people's reactions to her little girl being inside stores during lockdown times. So she decided to take matters into her own hands.
As a single mom, she had to deal with a lot of stuff. Informing strangers of their situation in that way felt like her only option. But was it really the best way to act?
Challenges
Several countries around the world were on lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic. As such, there were strict rules about leaving the house. Many people were only allowed to go outside for daily exercise or stock up on necessities such as food and medication.
For instance, only one person from each household was allowed to go to the supermarket. That was quite challenging for people like MaryAnn. Single parents everywhere found it difficult to find someone to leave their children with while shopping. So she had to find other ways.
Always A Fighter
MaryAnn was a proud single mother. Ever since she was left to raise her daughter alone, she fought against all odds to offer her child a good life.
No matter what lay ahead, the mom would push through and come out on the other side victorious. That was her creed. So that was just another challenge of the many for her. Nothing more. Or so she thought at first.
Money Problems
When the lockdown was instituted in the US, the lay-offs also began. As someone who was working as a waitress, MaryAnn was also laid off.
She was always careful with money, so she had some savings. But if things didn't change soon, her situation could become desperate. She had to find a way to keep going.
Getting By
The mother was getting by the best she could. But funds were running short. Everyone around her was in a dire situation, financially and emotionally, not to mention the threat of getting sick.
No matter how hard she tried, it seemed like the lockdown would last forever, and she wouldn't be able to get back to work soon. She had to figure out something before things got worse for her and her daughter.
Doing everything
MaryAnn was becoming more and more desperate. Her resources were running out, and she had to cut back on many expenses.
In the end, she reached out to her family, asking for help from her mother. But even that couldn't last very long. Time wasn't in her favor, and she was worried she would not be able to afford to pay her rent soon.
Her Rock
But every struggle was worth it because she was willing to do everything for her daughter. Her little daughter was her world, and no sacrifice was too big if it were for her.
When things got harder, she started looking for a new job and trying to figure out a way of taking care of her daughter as the schools got closed and she had to stay at home. Even if she found another job, she couldn't leave her daughter alone at home.
The New Normal
When the lockdown hit most states in the US, people had to follow the rules imposed by the Government to keep the spread of the virus in check.
Because she couldn't afford a babysitter, MaryAnn decided to take her daughter with her everywhere she went. What else could she do?
Shutting Them Off
The single mum eventually was shamed for taking her five-year-old daughter to the supermarket with her, even though she had no other choice. She couldn't leave her alone at home. But the rules had to be followed, or so did some people say.
MaryAnn Fausey Resendez was fed up with people's reactions to her little girl being in the shop, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.
A Sign
The single mom created a sign that she put on her daughter's back, informing strangers of their situation. Everyone looked strange at the little girl, but it was better than listening to them angrily saying to leave her child at home.
The sign read: "I am only five. I can't stay home alone, so I have to buy groceries with mommy. Before you start judging, stay back six feet." This was her way of trying to make people understand her situation. But was it enough to make people mind their own business?
Avoiding Misconceptions
MaryAnn shared a photo of her daughter wearing the sign on Facebook. Alongside the picture, she wrote in the description: "The sign I made her wear because I just know some people will take a picture and share it on social media not knowing all the facts."
Her post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and shares.
No More Photos
It was a desperate measure, but she couldn't find a better way to handle the situation. The sign on her daughter's back worked.
People stopped shaming them and taking photos of them to show on social media, saying that some people don't care to follow the rules. She was following the rules the best she could, but leaving her five-year-old daughter alone at home was not an option.
Others Following
People quickly reacted to the post, and many also commented on it. One person said: "I have to do this with my six-year-old son. I'm glad I'm not alone. Taking my son out shopping made me feel terrible!"
The majority agreed that people need to stop judging everyone so much. Things were getting ridiculous and sad. Moms did what they had to in order to keep their children safe. Which is what mattered the most in those difficult times.
The Struggle Of Single Parents
Single parents already had a lot on their plate. When the lockdown hit the US, their challenges only increased. Single parents, just like any other parents, had no choice but to do everything they could to keep their children safe.
Everyone was fighting their own battles. This mother did what she had to stop people from shaming her and explaining her situation to the world. Sometimes parents need to go to extremes when it comes to protecting their children.