Wednesday, February 22, 2012

My Ash Wednesday Morning Conversation and a Poem from T. S. Eliot

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, a time that symbolizes our mortality and our need for repentance.

In our household it means giving up something we like, or doing something extra (like a chore) we don't like--oh, and not eating meat today or on Fridays during Lent.

Here's how my Ash Wednesday began.

My granddaughter, getting ready to leave for school: Can you grab me a bottle of water from the fridge?

Me: I put a cold Dr. Pepper in for you last night. I thought that's what you like for lunch.

Gd (in a sad voice): Um. Yep, I do. Thanks a lot for reminding me. I gave up soda for Lent.

Me: Oops. Sorry. I forgot. (I do that a lot in the morning--and the rest of the day for that matter.)

Gd: What did you give up?

Me: Candy.

Gd: But you don't eat that much candy. (She is so sweet.)

Me: I try not to, but put a box of Good and Plenty in front of me and I can't resist.

Gd, heading out the door to her car: Those things are nasty. Gotta go.

Me to Grandson, who's eating a bowl of cereal while I'm making his lunch: Is a peanut butter sandwich okay?

Gs: How about pizza rolls?

Me: Can't eat meat today.

Gs: Then I guess so. 

Me, as I make his lunch: What are you giving up for Lent?

Gs: I don't know.

Me: How about candy?

Gs: I don't know.

Me: How about soda?

Gs: I don't know.

Me, after he finishes breakfast: Did you remember to brush your teeth?

Gs: Yes.

Me: Do you have your study sheet for your Science test?

Gs: Yes.

Me: Did you dab your medicine on your face?

Gs: Yes.

Me, as he walks to the door: Did you decide what you want to give up for Lent?

Gs: Listening. (Ha. Ha)

Me: Instead of giving something up, why not do something extra around the house?

Gs: Maybe.

Me: How about taking out the trash?

Gs (grinning): Maybe. Or I could give up my X-Box.

Me: Seriously?

Gs, laughing as he walks out the door for carpool: Just kidding.

Me (wondering): What am I gonna fix for supper?

For all you poetry lovers, here's a link to the poem "Ash Wednesday" by T. S. Eliot.

15 comments:

  1. I am still waiting to hear what the rest of my family has decided to do, I gave up Facebook games. It's a choice isn't it? Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Hi Sheila,
    You are welcome, and good luck with the Facebook fast.
    Donna

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  3. Hi Donna,
    I'm not a very religious person nowadays but being raised Catholic I am still aware of these special days. My mom asked me yesterday what I was going to give up and just rolled my eyes at her. Then I actually thought about it. What I am going to work on is not being angry and starting to let go of grudges that are years old. Hopefully by the time Lent is over, I will have a new perspective.

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  4. Hi Rebeca,
    Sounds like a good plan and much harder to do than giving up candy. ;) I need to work on doing the same things.
    Donna

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  5. I love kids! Candy is my best friend-worst enemy.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Linda,
      Me too. If I ever want to hear the total truth about how I look, I ask my grandkids.
      Donna

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  6. I love the way your grandson elaborates and expounds...so different from most teenagers (ha).

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  7. Hi Sioux,
    Yep. Once he hit 13 last fall his vocabulary turned into mostly nods and grunts.
    How did that happen?
    Donna

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  8. This discussion highlights the entire lack of discipline in my life. Perhaps that's what I most need to work on for Lent (and every day thereafter!)

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pat,
      I bet you are more disciplined than you think.
      Donna

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  9. Thanks for sharing the exchange; it made me smile. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  10. I give up too many things all the time... he he he.

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  11. Good luck with the candy. Don't cheat.
    Happy Weekend!

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  12. Hi Karen,
    You are welcome.

    Hi Lynn,
    I don't give up enough, but I should.

    Hi Carol,
    Thanks. So far I haven't cheated, unless you count a cough drop as candy.

    Hi Mary,
    Me too. See you Thursday.

    Donna

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