Granite, I'll bet that when you interacted with the mother you needed a shield to protect yourself. When you are protecting yourself, compassion for that person at the same time is sort of almost impossible.

I grew up in an area and around people who were not compassionate. People were rough with each other and no one showed compassion. I had to learn it as an adult. It is easy to learn. You are compassionate already granite. You ARE so sweet.