My son was about 3.5 when his father was chosen for the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday. Our younger son was 1. I brought one of those Magna doodles with us because I figured it was quiet and might keep him happy. Well, right when they washing started, my son, who was learning how to read and write letters, writes the word “hat.” I whispered good job, and tried to focus on my husband’s special moment. Then my son erased it and wrote, “fat.” When I ignored it, he held it up higher for me. The row behind us started giggling. I gave him a thumbs up, and quickly erased the word. Then he wrote, “fart.” I’m sure he didn’t know what he was writing, but that really set off everyone around us. I felt so awful that we had disrupted the sanctity of the Mass. It was totally embarrassing, and in hindsight I realized I should have taken the Magnadoodle away, but it was what it was. My husband said later that he noticed people laughing but didn’t realize we were the cause.
Of course, my mother was mortified, as was my dad. Nothing you can do at that point, though.
This is my husband, too! Totally oblivious! I’m so glad it’s not just me!
