I am trying to learn to laugh at life’s more challenging
moments instead of being disgruntled or complaining. Lately I have had a few
pitches that have tested me. Last Sunday was my first Sunday in church as a
single mother. Cameron is a counselor now in the bishopric which requires him
to sit on the stand. That leaves me alone with a one year old, almost three
year old, and a five year old. At first I was feeling a bit overwhelmed so that
week I pumped myself up by getting out my family history and reading stories of
my pioneer ancestors. One particular story seemed helpful about a relative whose
husband joined the Mormon Battalion so she walked across American with her two
children by herself, when her husband got back and met her in Utah, he then was
called to India on a mission. I thought to myself, I am a wimp and have absolutely nothing to complain about…I have
pioneer blood running through my veins. I can handle a few Sundays on my own
without my husband.
So when Church on Sunday started nice and early and
9:00am I was feeling confident when I showed up ten minutes early. That is when
it started. Just before church was about to start, I realized I forgot Brinley’s
binky. I knew if I didn’t run home to get it, it would be World War Three! So I
left my kids with my neighbors and ran home (giving up my perfect parking
spot). When I rush back into the chapel, I start the battle of trying to keep three kids quiet
for over an hour. At one point, I lean down to help Brinley who desperately
needed a nap. I hear Connor on my left saying, “Mom, what are these? What are
these?” I am doing all I can to keep Brinley from freaking out so I say, “Just
a minute, Connor. I’m helping Brinley.” Finally, I sit up and look over at
Connor who is proudly waving in the air a few feminine products I keep in a
secret pocket in my bag (so I thought was
secret). We are so fortunate to be sitting on one of the last rows in the
chapel directly in front of the cultural hall filled with about eight rows of people
behind us. (I don’t even look back to see who is either disgusted or laughing).
I quickly grab them out of his hands and shove them in my bag while my face
flushes without hesitation. Brinley is crying now and Connor is upset that I am
ignoring his questions. I say to myself at this point, I’m out of here! I leave Allie with our neighbors grab Brinley and
Connor’s hand and say, “let’s go.” Connor stands straight up on the seat,
climbs up on the wooden armrest at the end of the bench and propels himself off
like superman. I barely had the words out of my mouth 'No, Connor' by the time
it was all over.
We walked out and enjoyed the rest of Sacrament meeting on a
soft couch. I think it might be my permanent seat for the next little while.
After it all, I thought to myself, do I laugh or do I cry…so I laughed. One
Sunday down!
