What harm would have come to us sitting on a bench inside a store? We sat still. We were NOT playing. We whispered when we spoke to each other. I'm sorry that you can't see the difference between kids in the 50's and now.
Don't feel sorry for me. It is interesting to see that you cannot fathom what harm could have come to you while your mother was out of sight- even if it was in the 50s, any number of things could have happened, and gladly did not.
If there had been a heavy, unsecured mirror hanging behind you, plenty. You kids should have been in carts and someone should have called CPS on your mother.
Not only was your mother more than 5 feet away from you, she was in another room...........and you have the nerve to condemn this woman and blame her for her child's death?
My brother and I spent many an hour on the same type benches you talk about - but at least our father or grandfathter was sitting with us keeping watch. Apparently your mother was not as vigilant as mine.