thought it was just a funny momentA few days ago, I was at the grocery store, frustrated after a long, exhausting day. As I turned into one of the aisles, I noticed a woman slumped over a shopping cart—completely passed out. Her two young kids were asleep inside the cart, curled up like little bundles. The scene looked chaotic, and honestly, I didn’t stop to think.
Instead, I took a photo.I uploaded it to social media with the caption:“Some moms just give up 🙄.”I figured people would find it funny. Some laughed. Others didn’t. A few comments even called me out for being insensitive. I brushed it off, thinking, “People are always too sensitive these days.”But life has a way of humbling you.Two nights later, I was at home making dinner. While trying to cut open a spaghetti squash, the knife slipped—and I sliced my hand open. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it bled heavily. I panicked. I wrapped it in a towel and rushed to the ER, overwhelmed and scared.
When I got there, I was already on edge. I could barely explain myself to the front desk, just insisting someone see me immediately. I kept repeating how much pain I was in, desperate for help.A few minutes later, I felt a gentle hand tap my shoulderI turned—and froze.It was her.The mom from the grocery store.The one I mocked.She was standing there… in scrubs.She gave me a small, calm smile and softly said:“Do you recognize me?”
My heart dropped. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to disappear.And yet, she didn’t treat me any differently.She cleaned my wound. She bandaged my hand.She did her job with kindness and grace.I went home that night with more than just stitches.I went home with a lesson I’ll never forget:You never know what someone is going through.Be kind. Always.