Because You Have A Good Time, I Have A Better Time

You will never guess where this picture was taken.  At church! (please don't be offended Pastor Manny, it wasn't because of your sermon.)  When she has to be quite, she usually falls asleep.  Wish I could do that. If she isn't sleeping at church, however, she is singing!

A couple of weeks ago - a girl who knows Kate, came up to me after church and said that Kate's behavior bothered her.  I was speechless.  After all - this was church!

I wish I was a better person and could handle these situations correctly, but I'm not.  I quickly go into the kid on the school playground who just wants to protect the kid being bullied. (I pounded two boys for picking on a disabled neighbor girl - but that is a different story) I know not everyone loves my Kate as much as I do.  And I get it that she can bother you sometimes.  I get that - really I do.  There are days you feel like your ears will bleed because she is so chatty.

My feelings were hurt, but the look on Kates face hurt worse.  I could tell she knew what was being said about her and she was - sad, hurt, shocked, sorry, confused all at the same time.  I put my arm round her shoulder to turn her away and walked away.  She crossed her arms in front of herself and put her chin down.  No tears, just a little "I'm sorry" was what she said.  I said to her, "don't worry about her Kate, she just doesn't get it."  And like always - she forgives and forgets and I struggle with these things.

This past Sunday, we went to late service at church.  We normally go to the early service, but this week it worked out that we were at the later service.  So we go in and sit near the rear, probably 4 rows in on the left near the isle.  Kate sits next to the isle then me then Art. The first part of our service is worship in song.  There is a worship team up in front that leads us and we sing.  We are told "stand as you are able" so up we go and the music starts.  Kate stands with us, but her head is on a swivel this whole time as she is looking for people she knows. But - if there is a word repeated in the song - like hallelujah- she will sing that - loudly and off key (genetics I'm afraid)- and if it is a lively tune her arms will be going high also.

The last song in the set was one such song and Kate was really into it!  After the last song we are asked to turn and greet your neighbors. A young women who I have never seen before came up to Kate and said, "Can I give you a hug? You made me so happy to watch how much you worship the Lord.  You are wonderfully made and I just love you honey." Kate gave her a big "awww" and a Kate hug (kind of a head butt with some patting of her hands on your shoulder).

I was crying again at church because of what someone was saying to my daughter.  But this week I will remember these kind words over the cruel ones of the week before.  Lessons to be learned... sleep when you can, sing even if you can't, forgive quickly and make a choice on what to remember and what to forget.  Thanks again Katie Girl for another life lesson.