My snappy comeback

I'm pretty much incapable of snappy or witty comebacks to rude comments. I'm not fast enough, and I tend to take things personally.

You can therefore imagine how incredibly proud of myself I am for what I said today. Here's the scenario; Cooper was hungry and overwhelmed, and pitching an impressive 2 year old's tantrum in the middle of a very busy and hot farmer's market. It was a classic toddler moment- the kid was just unable to cope with the stimulation, crowds, heat, etc and so he just lost it. Of course he took it out on the best target available (me). He's screaming "MY MOMMY," "UP!" and "HUG!" at the top of his lungs (these are the three things he repeats when he's miserable and really, really wants my attention), clawing at my side and legs, and trying to keep me from walking by running full force into my legs from in front. I'm somehow moving forward in the crowded market, pushing Grant in the stroller, trying to get into the calm dark parking area to help Cooper get himself together, and super grateful that my friend was with me to carry my veggies. And this older woman, perhaps 60, stops right in front of me and asks in an accusatory manner, "Well? Are you his mommy?"

And I looked at her like she was out of her mind, and said the first thing that came into my head as my poor overwhelmed little boy ran headfirst, again, into my legs and wrapped both arms around my thighs, and let out a big wail of frustration.

"CLEARLY!"

And then I walked pointedly past her while Cooper clung to my right leg like a rabid monkey, screaming. Incidentally, it is very hard to push a stroller while dragging a nearly 30lb kid on your shin.

A few minutes later, after Cooper had finally taken a few deep breaths in the parking garage and drank some cold water, and he even was able to say "Cooper frustrated Cooper want to go home," my friend said something like, "Good comeback to that woman. I can't believe she said that to you!"

Me neither. Had she never seen a tantrum before? Seriously.