Well, I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised to cross the paths of some of these species while out in Palm Springs, but today’s encounter had me through the roof. I was so mad – definitely glad the hubby was around, but mad nonetheless – still mad!
We went to the grocery store to pick up some items for our stay. While in the yogurt section, all the girls were huddled at my side, looking at and choosing some yogurt. This elderly man came over and reached for a package of yogurt drinks. All of a sudden, one of the bottles fell out of the cardboard box (it happens), but his response? “Damn kids!” He then proceeds to get all flustered at my kids. I said, “Excuse me, those kids did nothing to you.” He then goes on (as crabby as he can) to tell me how they pushed him and he’s crippled on one side, and blah blah blah. That’s about all I heard, because at that point my ears were burning with angry fury for this man who crossed the line! I looked over at Brandon for him to interject. Brandon apologized for anything that may have happened, and then the man apologized for responding the way he did, but then excused it again with his cripple story and his fear of being knocked over (by a 6 year old). WHATEVER!!!! Esther was in tears for the remainder of our shopping trip. I was almost in tears myself. He had no right to call my kids what he did, especially right at them. One, all he had to say was, “Excuse me,” as he began to reach for whatever yogurt product he was reaching for. We would have kindly moved. Second, apparently he didn’t realize the ages of my small children and didn’t mind saying what he did right at us! Third, if you’re concerned a small child may be damned and might even push you over – steer clear of them! Criminy, he could’ve just waited till we moved.
My gracious and godly husband went on to explain to me and our children that it says in Proverbs that a gentle answer turns away wrath. Which was evident as soon as Brandon spoke. I should’ve responded differently, especially in front of my children, but when someone crosses the line, mama bear takes over and I became defensive. To be honest, I really wanted to take my cart and run him over with it. (That’s real godly, isn’t it?) Of course, no matter what we said to Esther, my little tender-heart was scarred by this man’s reaction.
So, now I’ve vented, the head has decompressed a bit, and I think I’m going to put my bathing suit on and go sun. It’s only Monday, and that man has made me need a vacation from my vacation – the old punk. Anywho, thinking mostly about my friend Janelle, who I’m sure has already delivered her fourth little bundle. She was scheduled for 12:30pm. Can’t wait to hear about the new little man. Time to go warm up mine, and maybe snap some photos of the girls in the pool. 
