You don’t know the story behind the mask you’re shaming

Recently, I made a trip to a small town gas station. I wore my mask. Nobody said anything, but you could feel the thickness of the air, presumptive looks and a lack of eye contact.

As I walked out, a kid — roughly 10 years old — said "Baa baa" at me as I walked by. I stopped and said “excuse me” and he said it again.

I let him know that although I am fully vaccinated, I have a kid at home who has half of a heart, breathes through a hole in his neck and is on oxygen. I said, "You don't know someone's story and there is no reason to ever make fun of someone for their own choices."

The kid rolled his eyes and walked past me, as his mom started to get out of the car. I shook my head in a “don't even” movement. I'm pretty sure she could feel my anger at that distance.

If he was willing to say that to me, what is he saying to his peers?

Not every family has the financial, physical or emotional means to be able to choose to stay home. The school year is nearly over. Please talk to your children about mask shaming. You likely don’t know the full story of the child on the other side of the mask.

Amber Gale

Keystone