Friendly reminder: Think before you judge

I can feel it before anything. The judging. Oh…the judging.

Picture this: There’s a woman in front of you at the checkout with WIC vouchers for 4 different transactions. Lovely, especially when you’re in a hurry. This woman is wearing Coach sunglasses on her head, Lululemon pants, Nike tennis shoes, carrying a Vera Bradley wristlet, and has an iPhone. Immediately you let out a little disgusted sigh. Really? She needs WIC? This is what MY tax dollars are paying for? You can’t wait to tell your friends about what you saw and rant and rave about how wrong our government benefits are. Just how can someone like her be receiving these benefits??

I want you to know, that person is me. It’s me you’re judging before you ever know MY story. Do you know that my son is at home and he’s tube fed, developmentally delayed, and sadly, he’s missing part of his brain? Do you know that I quit my job to stay home and care for him because that’s what HE needs? Do you know that I have no idea how I am going to pay back my student loans because 3 years ago I decided to go to college to get my Bachelor’s degree to make a better life for us? My Coach sunglasses were a birthday gift from my sister-in-law for my 30th birthday, and…ahem…I’m closer to 40 than I am 30. The Lulu’s are a hand-me-down from my fabulous sister, Nikes are probably 6 years old, Vera Bradley was a gift from my loving mom, and the iPhone was a Christmas gift from a generous friend. You don’t know MY story. Before you give me that look or whisper to your friend, think twice.

If I didn’t have to use the vouchers I wouldn’t. Two of the vouchers are just for Pediasure, which is the only nutrition our son gets. I’m not sitting at home abusing “the system.” I’m working my ass off each day so my son will meet his full potential. I want to give him every single opportunity possible in his life, and if this means not working and getting $8 of fruits and vegetables a month I’m going to gladly accept it. Not everyone is manipulative and lazy. Please, get the facts before you step up on your soap box.

I have been treated horribly by cashiers and noticed the looks of disgust by other customers. I don’t deserve any of this, and neither does anyone else. People are too quick to judge and think the worst. I know I too have done this. My shoes are different now; I’m on the other side. You don’t know everyone’s story.