Today I went to a store to buy milk for my young son and daughter. I used a WIC coupon to pay for it. As the cashier rang in the transaction, two women waited impatiently behind me. They rolled their eyes, gave me dirty looks and loudly complained “I wish we picked a better line.”

I quietly went to my car with my milk, my eyes warm with tears.

I never needed assistance before, and I wish I didn’t need it now. Two months ago, my wonderful husband held a prestigious job with decent pay and heavy responsibilities. Yet, after all he did for the company, including some 90+ hour weeks, he was fired. We don’t understand it, but have accepted it. My husband spends every day trying to find a new job, only to be told “You are overqualified.”

Some people have an excess of wealth that was obtained illegally or immorally. I’m proud to say, though we have little, we got it all honestly. As a Christian woman, I trust God to guide us through this, and I know better things lie ahead.

Unfortunately, many people do feel they are entitled to all government assistance. Then there are people like us who feel our pride constantly wounded just because we presently (and temporarily) need just a little help.

I pray those women will never be in my shoes, and for them to please have some compassion for strangers whose story they do not know.

Jennifer Fortney, Auburn

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