When Mary Ann made a sign for her daughter to wear to the store, people began questioning her sanity.
This sign had gotten her in more trouble than she could bear. But why did she do this to her own daughter?
She Wanted To Avoid Judgement
“I didn’t want to deal with the comments and the looks,” she told TODAY.
"I'm already under so much stress right now. I wanted to avoid judgment." But why were people staring at Mary and her daughter?
During The Pandemic
Single mothers like Mary were having a difficult time during the lockdown. They had to work from home, do house chores, and take care of their children at the same time.
Unfortunately, grocery deliveries weren't an option for Mary, as she lived in a rural area. So, she had to go to the store. And since her daughter was only five years old, she couldn't leave her at home on her own.
She Couldn't Afford Much
Since losing her job, Mary Ann could barely afford enough food for her and her family. And items like sanitizer, paper towels, and soap were now luxuries.
They were often sold out at her local Walmart. But fortunately, she had some people in her life who supported her.
Her Son Helped Her
Mary's son had helped her a lot during the pandemic and watched his sister when he was free. But since he was an essential worker, he didn't have much free time.
One time, Mary left her daughter alone at home to go grocery shopping, but she couldn't stop thinking about her. After all, leaving a five-year-old alone is dangerous.
A Difficult Decision
The store had a purchasing limit, so she couldn't buy everything she needed.
Mary used to bring her daughter with her to the store, but the comments and looks she received from the customers made her feel guilty about it. So, she did what she had to do.
She Made A Sign For Her
The next time she brought her daughter to the store, Mary put a sign on her back that read, “I am only 5. I can’t stay home alone, so I have to buy groceries with Mommy… Before you start judging, stay back six feet.”
She took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook with the caption, "The sign I made her wear because I just know someone will take a picture and talk on social media without knowing all the facts."
Some People Complained
The reactions she received from other shoppers were ridiculous. One person even complained to the security guard that the pair weren't practicing social distancing.
When the security approached Mary and her daughter and realized that they were in the right, he simply told them to "stay safe."
She Had Been Harassed Before
Once, Mary brought her 1-year-old son with her to Walmart because no one could watch him that day.
"I was harassed the entire time. We were in and out, and I was even spat at. I legit had no choice," she recalls. Then she continued...
Once She Went To Walmart With Her Son
“The looks I got in Walmart today were unreal! I suppose I’m supposed to either leave a 1 & 5 yr old at home alone or starve them and not go to the store.”
Her Facebook post instantly went viral, with people leaving supportive, encouraging comments.
"Do What You Need To Do"
Facebook user Theresa Warvel wrote, “You do what you need to do as a parent. No judgment. I will do the same thing. Be safe!”
The decision to bring your children to the store is a difficult one. But sometimes, you have no other choice than to bring them along.
Supportive Comments
“I love this and may need to use this as I have a five-year-old too and four other kids, and of course, I haven’t gone to the store because of this!” another Facebook user commented.
Some people felt embarrassed for Mary.
"It's Terrible"
One Facebook user wrote, "It's so terrible that a little girl has to wear a sign because a mother doesn't feel safe from criticism in our society today!"
Unfortunately, this is just one example of how distancing measures and restrictions have impacted our empathy skills.
The Lockdown Has Taken Its Toll
The pandemic has added additional stress and fear to our lives, and many people are struggling to cope with the situation.
This is why it's so important to stay as calm as possible while adhering to the measures.
Stop And Think
Before you take your frustration out on other people, stop and think for a moment.
You never know what people are going through and how your judgemental comment may affect them.