Rights of Passage
It was odd to be in a place where people think I’m going to hell when I die.
My niece was blessed this past weekend in a Mormon church, and I attended the service.
My first experience with this religion was in high school when the one Mormon boy claimed he had to go to church every day or once a week and be late to school. All of us were slightly envious and slightly suspicious that he was just sleeping in.
This boy had hair that didn’t move an inch, a J. Crew wardrobe, and a shiny, clean face at all times. That was my impression of Mormons. It was the only impression I had besides the gigantic Mormon temple, which no one but Mormons are allowed to enter. One time, someone wrote “Surrender Dorothy” on an overpass you see from the highway just as the temple comes into view.
“Surrender Dorothy” was voted best graffiti for several years in a row.
I also knew that Marriot (as in the hotel) was Mormon, yet he sold alcohol in his hotels.
But, I digress.
The Nugget is fascinated by music. Someone was playing a harp at the front of the church, and the Nugget walked up there and sat down and was rapt. I’d never seen her sit still like that. I could hardly tear my eyes away because the sight was so strange to me.
DH said to take a picture, so I got the camera out and quickly snapped one before she could move. Then, I saw my niece and she looked beautiful in her gold and white dress. I started to take a photo when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“We ask that you not take photos.” A small gentleman was tugging at my sleeve.
I was astonished.
“Okay,” I said.
Then, he walked a few rows on and said hi to my family, and I heard a relative say, “Hi, Bishop!”
So, I’d been in Mormon church 5 minutes and was already in trouble.
Then, I got introduced to the bishop and received a sort of disapproving smile from him.
Nugget got hungry so I took her out to the “Mother’s Room” (what about the Father’s room??) and gave her a snack. I just wondered where men were supposed to change diapers?
When I came back, I didn’t want to create more trouble, so I asked a guy in the hallway when I could re-enter. Should I wait for loud music or a break in the service? He said it didn’t matter, that this was barely controlled chaos.
Indeed it was.
Children ran to and fro. They squawked.
No one minded the children making noise. That was refreshing.
Just: Don’t Take a Picture!
Mormon Temple Baby Toddlers toddlers Mommy Blog