Do you ever get caught so off guard by someone's inappropriate comments that you can't find the words to respond? That's about what happened to me today at the grocery store. But this time, the "momma bear" in me prevailed, and I did actually find something to say.
Anyway, like I said, I was at the grocery store today, and Elise was of course with me...in the cart. This woman--a complete stranger--comes up to us to take a peek at Elise. That's not so bad, right? Then she lifts up Elise's blanket. Ok, that was kind of working on my nerves, but I could handle it. Next, she asks, "How old is she?" I tell her that Elise is 3 months old. Well, the next words out of her mouth shocked me. She says....wait for it..."Don't you think she's small for 3 months old? She looks small, kind of underweight. Is she eating?" I'm wondering if this is actually happening, and if I'm hearing this lady correctly. So I tell her, "Ummm...that's the type of thing I usually discuss with her doctor." I gave her an awkward look, and I started to walk away. I mean...what? This woman obviously has no idea that Elise has a liver disease with malabsorption issues....so is she insinuating that I'm not feeding her? But as I walk away, this woman continues talking, saying, "Well you should probably bring her to the doctor....she needs to see a doctor" At this point, I'm fairly certain there was smoke coming out of my ears. I said, "And you should probably see a psychiatrist because I think you have a personality disorder." After that, I walked away and straight out of the store.
Anyway, I can't believe the nerve of some people. Of course, this particular woman was dramatic, attention-seeking, overly emotional, and acted as though she had more of a relationship with us than she does...so a provisional diagnosis of Histrionic Personality Disorder on Axis II is an appropriate explanation...in my professional opinion.
That's all. Goodnight!
Ha, Erin. Thank you for the chuckle. I only chuckle because I have had to deal with this SO MANY TIMES over the past year and a half. Namely because I have twins, everyone thinks they have the right to butt in and ask questions (and touch my kids) and secondly, I actually had a lady say to me, if your daughter's belly wasn't so big, maybe she could walk (before she was walking). I wanted to PUNCH HER IN THE FACE!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to say something back..it's so hard to be kind to people and not have to share their whole life story with everyone you meet. The mamma bear for sure comes out - hugs to you guys! She's adorable!
wait til someone insists that if her doctor just put her under the bili lights, she'd get rid of her jaundice!
ReplyDeleteAnd so it begins. The comments from others. People look at me when I say Sydney has liver disease like I gave her alcohol poisoning or something. The looks and questions. Remember people are ignorant and uneducated when it comes to childhood diseases. At first you may try to explain it more and then realize they have no clue what you are trying to educate them about. So eventually you learn to avoid the topic altogether. then you have moments where you lash back. I prefer the lashing out sometimes. Makes me feel better to get it out once in a while, its the New Yorker in me :P Good for you to find your voice. Now sit back and relax and remember that you are above the ignorant fools that get under your skin.
ReplyDeleteWhen Cohen was in treatment, we were in michaels and he was in his stroller ( with his bald head!) This lady comes up and starts talking to Cohen and saying "where's your hair? Then she looked at me and asked "why would you cut off his hair??-- I was like ummm...he has cancer!! She looked horrified as she should have been!!
ReplyDeleteThen After one of his bone marrow aspirations we went to eat lunch and he was grabbing at the sweet in low as I was putting him in the highchair and this waitress walked by and looked at him and said "that will give you cancer one day!" and walked off!! I didn't see her again while we were there but if I would have she would have gotten a nice piece of my mind!
I am so glad you were able to put her in her place!!
Wow people are crazy. Our main problem was like Harriet- "Just put him under the bill lights!" Um, I'm sure a team of 16 doctors might have figured that one out, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it is where you live or what, but fortunately for us we have never encountered this problem. Sure, we have had people ask if Lachlan is ill, and we tell them that he has a liver disorder. People are usually very understanding or just drop the topic and go about their business. I am sure we get a lot of stares as we walk at the shops with Lachlan in his stroller, but I put that down to the fact that he is so damn cute, not that he is yellow and has an oversized belly. NB: We have been set down for a date for me to be a living donor - March 26th).
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