Being stood up for a playdate is like a real date, only your kid's heart gets broken

Yesterday, I had set up a playdate with one of Sarah's friends from preschool. I set it up a week in advance which gave Sarah a week of asking me if today was the day that her friend was coming over. A week to a preschooler can seem like eternity and the endless questions about which day it was on made me feel like it would never come either. I confirmed with the mom the day and time and the morning of the big day I emailed the mom a reminder about the appointment later in the day. I set it up for after lunch, giving us a good two hour window before the baby would get tired and need her nap.

This was our first time hosting this particular friend after we had been to their house twice for a birthday party and an awesome cookie decorating party that took place around Christmas. I felt it was our time to be the hosts and much easier for me not to worry about the baby because we would be home. Lunch is over and Sarah is waiting by the front door. After another hour of questions, she curls up into a ball on the floor and asks "Is she EVER coming over?" At this point, I am feeling guilty for ever reminding her that today was the day but I totally relied on this other parent to bail me out. Called said parent's cell phone, no answer. Left a voicemail stressing that I hoped they were on their way for the playdate. Thirty minutes later she calls. Turns out this particular day was 63 degrees and sunny and they had gone to the park already. Could I come to the park instead? Really? If it were me, I would apologize and immediately try to figure out another day we could do it. Instead she said "Let's catch up another time" Madawk (which means mad awkward). I had planned that we would play outside in our driveway. We took all the balls, car, bikes out. We had the chalks for writing in the driveway, and the mini slide ready to go. So, I did what any dad would do in this situation. I became her playdate and I did whatever tit took to make her forget about it for awhile.

I understand that it was a nice day but that excuse was lame. She said that she forgot and she apologized but if it were a crappy day would they have been here? In this age of smart phones and cell phones I find it hard to believe that during all this time I tried to contact her she "missed" that opportunity. It is hard enough trying to find kids for her to play with. Making friends for your kids is not easy and this time, this parent made it extra tough.