Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Old Mad Lady

Today, when we were at the library and preparing to leave T got a little rambunctious and started doing an impatient squeal. He did it all of three times. S went to throw something in the garbage and a little old lady came up to her and practically shouted, "Stop screaming! This is a library, you are SUPPOSED to be QUIET. YOU are disturbing ME!"

There was a multitude of shocked and disdainful faces and S immediately looked at my face to see how she should react. You'll be either happy or disgusted that I acted unsurprised and unapologetic, but still lovingly (at S).

The police officer standing nearby (hmmmm, wonder why) rolled his eyes and looked upset that that woman would accost my child in such a manner. I think he was offended enough for both of us.

S ran over to me and said softly, "Mommy, I didn't scream. Why did she talk to me like that?" I told her not to worry and that we should leave.

We left quickly and when we got outside we talked about it. After about two minutes she seemed to completely forget about it. Oh to have the forgiveness ability of a four year old.

4 comments:

GCC said...

Sounds to me like you handled it just right! She must have been having a bad day or something. I can totally picture that unsurprised, loving look on your face. :)

Orton Family said...

Wow - what an experience for sweet little Sarah. Good job to both you and her for handling it so well!

Mary C. said...

Way to go Melanie! I think you did a great job with Sarah. I think some people forget that children are so pure and wonderful. You are a great mom! I had an experience at a library in Colorado one time when a library manager asked me to leave because Rachel let out a couple of not too loud screams. She said that a person had complained to her and that I should leave! Can you believe it! I still can't get over it...I just walked outside and cried. Needless to say Doug was NOT happy and went in and talked to the library lady, but I doubt it did much good.

vdg family said...

Thank you for your support. People can be surprisingly mean, but then they can be surprisingly nice too!