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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Mistaken Identity

In the mid 70s, we moved from Utah to Gilbert, Arizona because of the hub's job. At that time, our family consisted of 3-month-old twin girls.  Shortly after moving in to our new home, I was asked to be in the Primary Presidency (church group for children).  It was during the time that Primary was held on a weekday, after school.  All the children met in the chapel for singing and talks before going to individual classes. I enjoyed working with the children and getting to know them. 
On one particular day, I was conducting in the chapel.  While sitting on the stand, I noticed a seven-year-old boy misbehaving.  The teacher sitting behind him, Sister Brown, was trying to lovingly discipline him but he turned around and sassed her.  I was surprised at his behavior but decided to give him a chance and see what he would do.  It happened again.  I determined that Sister Brown didn't have to deal with that unruly child.  During the song, I stood up, went down the steps from the stand, leaned in to the row and motioned for this irreverent child to follow me back up to the stand and sit by me.  He did without hesitation. 
At the end of the meeting, I excused each class then sat next to the juvenile delinquent.  I told him that I was disappointed in the way he treated Sister Brown and that he wasn't reverent in the chapel.  I asked him if he thought he could do better next week.  He nodded his head.  At that point in time, I realized I need to get to know him better.  I asked his name.  "Caleb", he said.  I asked his last name.  "Brown!"  My mind started putting 2 and 2 together.  Yeah, I had taken Sister Brown's own son from her grasp and set him up front for all to see.  I apologized to her.  She chuckled and said that she was glad that he realized someone else expected him to behave.

Sometimes it's hard to be the new kid on the block!

19 comments:

Julie Harward said...

LOL Yes, I have been the new kid on the block a few times myself! That is so very funny! ;D

CB said...

That was very funny!! But as a mom, I think I would have really appreciated that!! Chuckle!

gigi said...

That is so cute and I could totally see myself in the same situation.

Kristina P. said...

Ha! That is awesome!

Kerin said...

Too funny!
I'm glad that Sis. Brown took the situation in stride :)

Doran & Jody said...

Eh heh...sometimes the new kid on the block is the least to play favorites.

I knew of a family that moved from one side of the state to the other. They hadn't been to their new ward long and she was called the RS Pres.

A couple of years ago we got booted out of our ward and put in another one because of boundary changes. Soon after I was called as the YW Pres. I didn't know one of the counselors I called and I hadn't even seen her but I knew the name. That was pure faith and it was the best decision that happened.

karen said...

That sounds like something I would have done. (Well, I would have if I ever got the chance to do something besides play the freaking piano!) *deep breath* And how nice that she was a good sport!

Austin Pettit said...

That is a great story! Good for Sister Brown for being so understanding. I bet her son still remembers that!

Joanie said...

You have always been the best at disciplining kids. Keep it up!

Kazzy said...

Think you could get into the YM presidency in my ward???

Barbaloot said...

Oh my gosh-I feel awkward just thinking about that! But at least she appreciated instead of resented it:)

KC said...

Sometimes I think that kids are so used to their parents, that somebody else needs to step in....unfortunately!

mCat said...

I'm chuckling! But if I had been her, I think I would have been grateful for your intervention. Sometimes it takes a whole ward to raise a child! : )

Valerie said...

Funny! I better remember that since I'm new in my ward and might just get a calling in primary (again). :)

Cheeseboy said...

Ha ha! Sometimes kids treat their own parents the worst. I'd love it if someone did that to my own son. (Although he is pretty good, so I doubt it would ever happen, but still.)

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

This is very funny glad I found you through lovely Julie Harwards site.
Looking forward to being a follower of yours
Have a wonderful weekend
Maggie

Teachinfourth said...

Being the new kid on the block is not always a fun thing…I'm glad that the Brown's were so understanding.

Yvonne said...

Love it--I think MOST parents love to have a little support ; )

Jenny Lynn said...

LOL>>>> I Love it!!! Some times as moms we need a little extra support in moments just like that one.