What Would You Do?

I had a disturbing situation today. As I shopped in the store I observed two ladies in the riding carts. I could hear the one lady talking loudly to the other. Some of the remarks she made, really alarmed me. I did not know their relationship to each other as both were older ladies. The one lady stated, “Get out of the cart and sit over there to try on the shoes, you are blocking the aisle.” The fragile tiny lady obeyed. I watched as she walked to the seat, she could barely walk. I felt so sorry for her. Then the same lady that ordered her out of the cart made more remarks. She said, “Did you pass gas?” “Yes you did, you little: f****.” I would not repeat what she said. I asked myself, “Why would she treat the elderly lady like that?” So I walked away. That was hard for me to do.

I know this was none of my business. I prayed silently that this abuse would stop for this elderly lady. Then I thought, I cannot sit by and do nothing. I pondered what should I do? I thought she may curse me out, but so be it.

I walked back past them again; she was still talking very badly to the elderly lady. I could see and feel the distress on the elderly lady’s face.

So I walked up to the lady that was talking so badly. I smiled at her and asked, “Are you having a bad day?” She responded, “Yes, she is just not doing anything that I tell her to do.” “Her family does not want her, I am just the caregiver.” ” Her and her brother lives with me.” I responded, “I am sorry you are having a bad day, both of you ladies are beautiful ladies, but you know everyone deserves respect. No one deserves to be mistreated. She then replied, “I don’t mistreat her, I am the only one that takes care of her, cause no one else wants her. ” We had more conversation. This woman expressed that the elderly lady said things to hurt her and asked me how I would respond to that. I replied, “When she says hurtful things to you, you have a choice as to how you will respond. ” “Words can be very painful and can kill the spirit.” I tried to keep it on a positive note and told her, “I believe that you two will work this out.” “You both seem like very nice ladies.” At this point I did not know if she was going to curse me now or what. She looked at me and smile and said, “Thank you for talking to me.” She smiled, “grasp my hand and said, “God bless you.” Now in that instance, I prayed that I had given her something to think about. This incident was so compelling to me. I do not know if I will ever see the individuals again. I just prayed that this woman does not continue to be verbally abused like this.

Emotional abuse can include threatening or belittling behavior that is witnessed according to Helguide.org. They further stress intervening when possible. I thought to myself, “Could I have done more?” I hope none of you ever are in this type of situation to witness, what I witnessed today. Like I told the lady today no one deserves to be mistreated.

Related