A Sad Day with a Happy Meal

I took Beth to McDonald's on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and let her have the rare treat of eating her Happy Meal in the PlayPlace. We hadn't been there in probably a year and last time we went she couldn't climb up the stairs that lead to the slides and bridge. The stairs are enclosed and made for little kids, so I couldn't really help her get up them. I was very excited that this time it was easy for her. She was having a great time using the slides, taking a bite of her hamburger, and then returning to the slides. At one point she was at the top of the stairs where the slide and bridge openings are and she yelled to me "Mom, they won't let me go." Two brothers probably two and three years old were blocking her way. One was blocking the bridge and the other one was blocking the opening to the slide. I told her to ask them to let her go through so she did and then suddenly I hear the saddest howl of a cry coming from the top of the stairs. I was holding Andrew so the boys' mom climbed up the stairs, smacked one of her sons, which made him start bawling, and helped Beth get back down the stairs. Between sobs Beth tried to explain to me what happened. I could tell her cheek was bright red and I thought she said "he pinched me" but then as she went on to explain the incident I found out he used his teeth. She was completely unfamiliar with biting. She told me he used his sharp teeth. And she said "He tried to eat me". It was so sad. The other mom apologized but she didn't really speak English so all she could say is "I'm sorry". I said "It's okay" like you're supposed to but I was glad that she made her boys leave. The bite didn't quite break the skin but it did leave a bruise. It was our first real run-in with another child and I'm sure it won't be our last. I wish I could keep her safe from everything. I know that's not realistic. I was so grateful for the fact that I stayed calm throughout the entire ordeal. I wasn't really mad at the little boy or his mom. I was more concerned about making it as okay as possible for Beth. Big tears rolled down her cheeks and all I could do was listen and dry her tears.