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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: DULL (05/12/17)
Eight-year-old Bradley Foster kicked his feet in the air as he sat on the hard, wooden pew on which he could not get comfortable. Bradley's mother had told him that he had to wear his formal clothes today because it was his grandmother's funeral and wearing proper clothes showed respect for the person who had passed away. She told him that his grandmother deserved to be respected even in death.

"Stop that," Bradley's father scolded while swatting Bradley's legs down. "Show some respect."

There was that word again. Bradley didn't mean to disrespect his grandmother, but the service was so, so long and he didn't understand most of what was being said. Adults had a way of talking that made no sense to an eight-year-old.

"It's okay, honey. Hang in there. It's almost over," Bradley's mother said as she patted him on the leg in an attempt to bring him comfort.

But almost over wasn't the same as completely over and Bradley was so uncomfortable and so bored and this funeral was lasting forever. He wanted so badly to get up, run outside, and play in the sun, but he knew that he couldn't do so. But why couldn't he? Why couldn't he remember his grandmother in the way that he wanted to? He closed his eyes hoping that somehow the time would go by faster.

"Let's go, honey. The service is over."

Bradley opened his eyes, but he still felt a little groggy. He realized that he must have fallen asleep; at least for a little while. His mother took his hand and together they walked outside. Once free of the structure of the funeral, Bradley began to run about. He wasn't completely sure why; it just felt right. He had always been able to run around and play at his grandmother's house. He had really loved his grandmother and he missed her a lot.

"What are you doing, honey?" Bradley's mother asked him once she was able to corral him by grabbing hold of his arm.

"I'm remembering grandmother."

"Oh, you're playing the way you used to play at her house. I get it."

"Yeah," Bradley's eyes gleamed as he spoke.

"I like that."

Bradley's mother gave him a big hug as she said, "I believe your grandmother enjoyed your celebration much more than ours; so much more."
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Tonya Stevenson
05/18/17
I liked the covert message in your story. It reminds me of Matt. 18:2-4. Certainly all of us can remember those agonizing "be stills."

Even as an adult I sometimes wonder if what we do at funerals really matters to the deceased?
Maybe, if it brings glory to our God - one more time; or leads one more too HIM.

Realistically written.
Phillip Cimei
05/22/17
You nailed the topic. And in doing so reminded us of how difficult it is for a child to adapt to an adults view of what is respectful and disrespectful behavior.

That being said we all seem to have our own cultural ideas of good parenting.

I recently preached a funeral for a church member that was Marshallese. Their church had three to four hundred and I think half were children.

The children were given free run while the services were conducted. I adapted and all was well.

I remember telling the congregations at the churches I had preached at, when I was a full time minister, that a baby's crying wouldn't bother me. And if I couldn't preach over that child, well I wasn't much of a preacher.

Now that being said. I personally had my children knowing when to play, how to act in public and that there was always a bathroom to remind them. But some cultures see it differently.

Good message, well delivered. God bless
Lois Farrow
05/22/17
I love this. A reminder that there are different ways to celebrate, honor and remember those who have gone.