Problems

It amazes me how much a complete stranger can make--or completely break--your day.

I was in a really good mood today.  Things are going pretty well, and I was feeling grateful and happy, but right now my spirit is broken.  I took the kids to McDonald's playland tonight.  Abe is gone for the weekend, and we have no food in the house, so off we went...just the 3 of us.  All was well until it was time to go and the kids wouldn't listen.  I stood by the door calling their names, holding their coats, waiting.  Suddenly, a lady screamed, "hey, your kid is beating up my kid!"  She yelled at Aiden, "get out of there!  You need to go home!"  And then at me, "you need to pay attention to your kids!"  I started to cry.  All I could say to the lady was, "my son is autistic.  That was the rudest thing anyone has ever said to me."  I will note here that the "a" word didn't need to be said at all--there is NO reason for hitting, but the word just came out.  I'm overprotective of Aiden, and she was trying to protect her son.  I have no idea if Aiden was hitting her kid (they were both in the slide), but her son wasn't crying or upset at all.  I pulled Aiden aside and asked him what he did.  Of course, Aiden didn't respond verbally, but he did kiss me, seeing that I was clearly upset.  I said, "you know we don't hit, right?"  Aiden just let me hold him.  Another mother approached me, and tried to give me some comfort.  Her oldest was also on the spectrum.  "Autism or not, they are boys, and they are going to be rough".  I agree with her.  There was no reason for that ladies reaction.  I already struggle with feelings of inadequacy, and she threw that right in my face.  If only she knew how much she hurt me.  I do the best I can.  If only that lady knew how much I DO pay attention to my children.  I'm terrified to let them out of my sight for a minute, especially after losing Aiden at the mall.  I sincerely hope I never make anyone feel the way that mother made me feel tonight.  Never. 

In the car I wished I would have done things differently.  I should have had Aiden say, "sorry".  Then again, I probably would have said something nasty, and that would have made the situation worse.  We left right away, and that was probably for the best.  I cried all the way home, but I said a prayer for her tonight. 

Mean people suck the life out of me.  I sure hope I'm not one of them!