What I wish I could say to the person at the mall

Dear Woman at the mall with your absolutely adorable toddler boy,

My girls really enjoyed playing with your boy while you were not watching him while you were in line at the pretzel place.

It was fantastic watching my girls interact with your child, what a happy go lucky kid!  but I noticed my oldest girl cringe whenever he came too close to her, and I suspected you noticed this too, you came closer and started talking with me a little. I saw the look of concern, and  I suspected that you  might have thought she was rude, since my girlio was acting like a regular 8 year old  and her difficulties were not obvious at that moment, I chose to share with you that she has autism.

I was quite surprised at the abrupt manner in which you scooted your child away into the coffee shop, I wonder if you even noticed that you didn't get your pretzel. At first I was offended, imagine that!  I was worried that you thought my child was rude when you were the one who was rude, then I had flashes of anger and sadness while looking at my pouting kids who had just lost their playmate.

Now I just feel sorry for you, I don't really know anything about you, but I imagine you live in a closed up perfect little world. Dh told me to think back to the way I was before we had kids Ok so yeah  I used to be like you....I am a far better person now!  I wish you and your family well!  Us? we  have moved on,  our feelings are no longer hurt, we are a tough group our family!