Lowell, some of the replies you've gotten on this thread are remarkably similar to the ones posted about the guy walking to AZ.  In both cases, the real story of those who received help will never be known.  Were they there because of their own inability to manage their challenges?   Were they completely truthful and honest?  Who knows for sure?  Everybody has an opinion.  Doesn't matter what the real story is.  Those who helped did what they felt was right and what they needed to do to be at ease with themselves.  Personally, I say good for the shopping wives!  I hope I'd have reacted the same way.