After yesterday’s soaring words about being part of the village that raises a child, God decided today to see exactly how serious I was.
I mentioned earlier that my daughter’s school play was cancelled because the administrators, reading the script three days before opening night, decided that the words used to portray the bullying in the play were “too mature.” Many parents, understandably outraged, decided to try to mount the play outside of the school, and today there was an organizational meeting towards that end.
Because we do consider ourselves “in loco parentis,” another mom and I waited after the meeting for the kids to get picked up. And waited, and waited, and waited. For awhile it was OK, and then I got irritated, and then, 45 minutes after the meeting was over, I got annoyed. Where were their parents, anyway? we asked the three kids remaining. One said her mom was on the way. Another said she would call her mom again. And the third fielded a call from her mom who said she would leave work in a few minutes. Where was that, we inquired? About 45 minutes away.
After we demurred, arrangements were quickly made for that girl to get a ride home with the one whose mom showed up shortly after. Outwardly, I did not fail my duty. In my heart? I was resentful and angry. Fail.
[...] yesterday’s meeting, I watched as the charismatic, energetic young mom of one of the cast members — one with [...]
What did she say? What did they hear? : A Different Street
February 28th, 2008
Pissoed off, I probably would have taken the remaining kid home (exposing myself to kidnapping charges and lifelong prison) and then told the delinquent parent something or other (exposing myself to charges of verbal assault). I admire your patience and calm in this manner.
vhaecky
April 6th, 2008