Would you judge or be understanding.

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I was at the store last week. I was just picking up a few items. I had passed this lady, that was shopping and had quite a cartload of groceries. Her son was acting up a bit, but she seemed to be keeping it under control. As she was getting in line, he went into a total meltdown. You could not help but hear and notice them. She got out of line and was trying so hard to control him and you could just see the frustration she was going through. I was close enough to hear her say something like, please just calm down for Mom, I have to get these groceries. I cannot leave them here. All I have to do is pay for them. We need them at home, as we lost everything while the electric was off. Please, calm down. I wanted to help, but not sure how she would take it. I seen her getting more frustrated and starting to tear up. People were just staring at them. I walked over and asked if there was something I could do. The boy, being about 8 was getting to be a real handful for her. He kind of got a little quieter when I walked up, and she just started to lose it. I felt so sorry for her. She says, I guess I am going to have to leave this here and we really need it at home. I usually only do big shopping when my husband can be with me, or our friend can keep an eye on him for me, but we lost everything when the electric went out and needed these things. While she is talking to me, he has quieted down, but still pulling on her, and grabbing at his head. I quietly said, if you will let me, I will bring your groceries to your car. You take him out and try to get him settled down. I will pay for your groceries and bring them out to you. I was at this point, ready to pay for them just to help her out. She says to me all I have is my bank card, I said do not worry about it. I walked to the service counter and asked them if they could check me out so that I could help her get on her way. The guy standing in the line next to me, asked if I knew her, I told him that I did not. He says to me, she should get a handle on that kid, he needs a good attitude adjustment. My cashier, looked at me. I replied to him, You sure are quick to judge. That child has special needs and that mother has to deal with this day in and day out. Her electric has been off, her husband is out of town, and the people that help her, could not. She tackled this on her own and I commend her for that. I hope that you never have to deal with something like that in your lifetime. The cashier, just put her head down. In fact, I cannot believe that an employee here, could not see her distress, knowing that she needed help, and at least helped her get through with her groceries and helped her to her car with them. They finished checking me out with her groceries. It came to almost $200. I left my things in the store, told them I would be back to get them. I took the groceries out, she was standing outside the car, waiting for me. As I get closer, I see she is crying hysterically. I walked up, asked her if she was ok, and she just shook her head. I helped her load the groceries, and she asked for my name and phone number. I gave them to her. I explained that my son has special needs, and is confined to a wheelchair, and although I don't have to deal with issues that she does, I do understand. Her son was quietly rocking himself in the backseat, as we loaded up. Two days later, I had a knock on my door. This lady and her husband were standing there. I had not given my address, so it was a big surprise. We had a nice talk, and they handed me the money for their groceries that I had paid for, and thanked me again. I never expected the money back, it was in an envelope. I did not look in it. We talked for about an hour, and my son and hers, played together great. After they left, I looked in the envelope, there was the money, a gift card, and two letters. I sat and read the letters and wept. The one was from her thanking me for helping her that day. The other was from her husband. He thanked me for helping her, he had been in the hospital for the week of the storm, and while they had no electric. He appreciated everything that I did for her. I never expected to be rewarded for lending a hand, I just wanted to help someone that I could tell needed it. Would you have judged her, or would you have been understanding? Would you have tried to help?