AITAH: Strangers judged me for “abandoning” my mom on the stairs, then went silent when I explained
I took the day off and took my mom to a podiatrist appointment because she was having a lot of pain. She recently had a knee replacement, so she limps and walks slowly. Unfortunately, the elevator was broken, and we had to use the stairs. While we were on the stairs, she urged me to leave her there and get to the office so I can get her checked in while she makes her way up.
After her appointment, she was sitting in the waiting room while I finished checking out at reception. I told her she could head downstairs and I’d meet her there, since she takes her time and I don’t want her to feel that she has to rush because of me.
An older couple was sitting nearby. The woman told me the elevator wasn’t working. I said I knew and explained that I’d let my mom go ahead because she takes a while on the stairs.
A few seconds later, I heard the woman say to her husband, “I can’t believe that.” He snorted and agreed. She laughed and said something along the lines of, “She let that poor thing go downstairs by herself.”
It felt judgmental, especially because my mom doesn’t like anyone touching her while she’s going downstairs and prefers doing it herself.
I calmly explained out loud that: “My mom doesn’t like anyone touching her when she’s going down the stairs, so I let her go ahead and take her time.” I wasn’t rude or sarcastic. Then I laughed a little and added, “I love my mommy, I promise. That’s why I’m here.”
They went quiet. Once I finished at reception, I said goodbye and wished everyone, including them, a nice day.
My mom was fine with the arrangement, but the interaction hurt. I understand that walking nearby without touching her was also an option. What bothered me was hearing them make assumptions about me, then getting no acknowledgment when I explained.
I told my Mom what happened and she told me not to be bothered by it.
Was my response reasonable? It just triggered so much anxiety and embarrassment in me.