Life Lessons
Sam sings in the Children's Choir of Greater Dallas. As a prelude concert member his director is Ms. Nott. I am a choir escort so I listen and watch every Monday while they practice. I think Ms. Nott is amazing. She is never condescending or impatient, yet she commands respect and cooperation. And the kids respond.
A few days after Christmas we found out that Ms. Nott's husband died suddenly on December 29. Although we don't know her or her family well I thought it was important that Sam and I attend the visitation. I wanted to be supportive but I also thought Ms. Nott would appreciate Sam's presence. She would consider it mature and respectful.
Sam has never been to a visitation before. I explained to him what it would be like.
"Do they serve dinner? Is there a sermon? Will I see the body?"
We circled through the crowd a few times, said hello to the few people we knew and signed the guest book, which was in the room with Ms. Nott's husband. I could tell Sam was anxious but curious. We didn't linger.
On our way out Sam bumped into Ms. Nott, who was surrounded by a circle of adults. She got down on one knee and gave Sam a big hug. And as I expected she told him she was proud of him for coming. She introduced him to her family and told him to be ready when choir starts back up Monday.
All in all we were there 20 minutes but I think Sam was glad he went (and relieved). And I was proud of him - Sam's at an age where he needs to be exposed to these events and understand how to be compassionate and sympathetic, but on the way home I realized the real reason I wanted him to go - to support me.
A few days after Christmas we found out that Ms. Nott's husband died suddenly on December 29. Although we don't know her or her family well I thought it was important that Sam and I attend the visitation. I wanted to be supportive but I also thought Ms. Nott would appreciate Sam's presence. She would consider it mature and respectful.
Sam has never been to a visitation before. I explained to him what it would be like.
"Do they serve dinner? Is there a sermon? Will I see the body?"
We circled through the crowd a few times, said hello to the few people we knew and signed the guest book, which was in the room with Ms. Nott's husband. I could tell Sam was anxious but curious. We didn't linger.
On our way out Sam bumped into Ms. Nott, who was surrounded by a circle of adults. She got down on one knee and gave Sam a big hug. And as I expected she told him she was proud of him for coming. She introduced him to her family and told him to be ready when choir starts back up Monday.
All in all we were there 20 minutes but I think Sam was glad he went (and relieved). And I was proud of him - Sam's at an age where he needs to be exposed to these events and understand how to be compassionate and sympathetic, but on the way home I realized the real reason I wanted him to go - to support me.
posted by Romine Family at 11:18 AM
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