We messed up. We should have invited more children. We should have called the parents who didn't respond. We should have, could have, would have. Austin was hurt and disappointed.
Every parent wants to protect a child from that.
We have a videotape of the event, but I doubt that I'll ever watch it. Mom, we sure needed you. You would have known what to do. But you would have been proud of your stepgrandchildren, Des and Jon, who afterward paid special attention to their little brother. Speaking of family, Karen sends her love, and ol' Psycho Dog, still the same, sends regards, too.