Mark,
I understand what you mean. When I was so bad I couldn't walk at all I was either in an electric scooter or chair. I was so ashamed/embarrassed or something like that (neither word is exactly what I want to use, but they will have to do cause my brain is exhausted/fried & it just won't work like it use to) at first to use them cause I felt everyone would be looking at me & thinking "she doesn't look ill or like anything else was wrong with her". But once I started having more confidence in myself out in public I noticed people here in northern CA didn't hardly give me a 2nd look. EXCEPT to get in front me in a line or dodge around me in the aisles. Which then I would open my mouth loudly about how damn rude people were *LOL* See I have no problem now being very sarcastic & loud about it, when people are rude (just ask my hubby ). Or being rude right back at them . When I see one hurrying to try to beat me somewhere, I poor the juice on my chair & almost bowl them over *ROFL* instead!!! I have gotten past the way people look at me as if I should not use a store scooter or my chair and I just don't give a rats ***** what any of them think of me either way anymore. I am what I am & they don't have to know what is 'wrong' with me. I guess I finally got a toughened skin now & that is why not too much out 'there' bothers me anymore.

I think people in this area have gotten use to seeing me out shopping using either the store scooters or my chair and it is like they almost fall over themselves helping me. Sometimes I would rather do for myself, but it seems like I burst their bubble when I refuse their help *LOL* Depending on who it is if I see that happening I will either give in to their help or I won't. Also depends on how I am feeling physically. Sometimes I am also very very grateful for their help.

You hang in their Mark & chalk that one up to total ignorance on the mother's part. And hopefully the child will grow up to not be like her mother & make the choice to be a much better person. That can happen also. You can't blame the child for how she is being taught.

A friendly your way,
DebbyV