Sunday, December 1, 2013

Awkward Mom vs. Pew-mates

Dear This Sunday's Pew-mates-

Let's review, shall we? First of all, you unceremoniously shoved my child further into the pew to accommodate yourselves. Startling, but I suppose understandable. You were late and in a hurry, after all. Then, during the readings, you engaged in a barely whispered conversation, that I could totally hear, about the inappropriateness of my son's Star Wars sticker book as "church reading material." You may be right, but I doubt you heard any of the actual readings in your ire. Then, you acted put out when my 5-year-old had to squeeze by you to take up a can of food. Yeah, I suppose that was annoying. Having to move a few inches so a child could give some food to the hungry. Guess your huffs and puffs were warranted there. Then, when he got lost on his way back and couldn't find me, you declared, "Oh goodness, he is probably going to cry now." Don't really understand why the potential tears of children made you roll your eyes. But that eye roll was nothing compared to the one I received when I had to haul my pregnant self past you to go fetch him. Yes, I am huge. I get it. After sighing at us upon our return and your repeated glares at his Star Wars book, I am surprised that he wanted to hold your hand during the Our Father at all. I certainly wouldn't have.  After this kind and forgiving gesture on his part, there was no need to wipe your hand on your pants the second the prayer is over. Yes, I know he is sticky. He is 5. Couldn't you be sightly sneaky with your wiping? And finally, after all that, you have the nerve to turn to me after church and say "Well, I guess someone just doesn't know how to act in church yet." You go ahead and interpret my "Yes, some of us are still learning" any old way you please, but know this; I was not talking about my 5-year-old son.

Sincerely,

Awkward Mom

PS Next time, perhaps not sitting next to small children might ensure you have a more positive church experience. Or maybe actually listening to the readings, especially if they have anything to do with tolerance and patience. Just a thought.

10 comments:

  1. I have had those kinds of Sundays in church as well. HUGS and I remember something that I truly believe....yes we could leave our young children at home, but what would they be learning. If your parish is anything like ours there is normally another mass going on that more of the single or older parishioners go to. Here we choose to go to the 10am mass because it is the main mass on Sunday and yes there are children that are loud, etc. but that is joyful music to God's ears. I hope the rest of your Sunday goes better! HUGS!

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    1. We go at 10:30 and it is usually like the one your describe. This is the first time I have ever experienced anything like this. I can only think that with it being Thanksgiving and people travelling, these things happen. Thank you for the hugs! I am sure God was perfectly fine with the kids and the "music" they were making. :) Thanks! PS Conrats on your husband starting to join the church!!

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  2. I'm sorry you had a tough Sunday service. I know God was happy you guys were there, sticky hands and all, and nothing else matters!

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    1. You are right! And we will be there next week too; sticky hands and all. :)

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  3. Sorry to hear you had to experience that! Blah on them!! We had a similar experience once a few years ago when the girls were really acting up (a loud comment about how we should really take them out, etc.) And it was with people who sat near us regularly. Quite mortifying. You handled it very well!!

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    1. It is rare that this happens, most people are totally welcoming. Which is probably why it was so frustrating to me, but I have faith (punny!) that things will be better next week. :)

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  4. I love the comment about children being joyful music to God's ear. I love the Masses kids are at. And I love sitting by kids esp if they have Styar wars sticker books. Mom

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    1. I love all the kids at mass too....of course, I think I like to be distracted when I am bored..... :)

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  5. http://thejesuitpost.org/site/2013/02/an-open-letter-to-parents-thank-you-for-not-using-the-cry-room/
    Awesome article for you.

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