Posted by:
Mia
(
)
Date: September 08, 2012 11:12PM
Today was an interesting day.
I went with my nevermo sil to the space needle for lunch before she hopped on a plane to go back home.
It just so happens it was the 50th anniversary of the space needle. The lines were a bit longer than usual.
I had something happen than I couldn't have predicted in a million years. It seemed like an event sent just to me to validate all i've been going through after I left the church. I'm not sure I have the words to really describe the events that took place. I'll try, but add more drama to it if you can, because mere words just can't tell the story.
There were about 300 people in line to get on the elevators that go up to the top. Standing in line behind us was a lady that was probably in her mid 30's, but looked more like early 50's. She had no make-up, jewelry or any adornments of any kind. Her hair was a scraggly mess. Her clothes looked old, dated and well worn. She had 5 kids with her. They were about ages 5 to 10. They were out of control.
The kids were fighting with each other, hanging on the cords that controlled the lines. One of them pulled it over and brought about 5 posts down that were holding the line in place. They were mostly ignoring everything that mom was saying to them. She was running at the mouth with non-stop warnings, and threats, but did nothing else to get a grip on the situation.
She ran into me about 10 times with her bag on wheels, until I finally asked her to please stop it! If looks could kill I would be dead.
Then, she started in giving her children a lecture on the evils of caffeine. It was all I could do to not burst out laughing. The things she was saying (so everyone could hear) were crazy. Next came an explanation of how alcohol makes people into very bad people. I was just stunned at what was coming out of this woman's mouth. She was doing it loud enough, and in a tone that made it clear she wanted everyone to know all of her wisdom on the topic.
By this time I was pretty sure this crazy was a mormon. It was very obvious to me. I was blown away by her big mouth, arrogance, and complete fail as a responsible parent. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing.
As we stood in line her kids became more and more restless. She threatened to spank them "in public". Her little boy begged her not to do that. I felt so sorry for him. He was clearly humiliated. Then she started saying that she was going to call their dad to come and get them. He, would have no problem with that, and no problem beating their butt for causing him such an inconvenience. Those were her words, not mine. She made that announcement and threat at least 10 times. It became obvious that she wasn't going to follow through.
Then,,,,,her phone rang. OMG. TMI. It was a job interview! She announced to the entire crowd that she hated public schools. She herself, home schooled her children. She would never subject them to the lies and obscene teachings of public school! She HATED the public schools and the people who ran them! She then gave her entire resume (BYU educated) of her life as a public school teacher (in Utah).
FINALLY we got on the elevator. She was still telling her life story to us. Her kids were full on out of control. They were yelling and screaming. The elevator operator was beside herself. When we were almost to the top one of the kids reached behind her and hit the button that opens the door! She caught it thank God! And Mom? She was totally oblivious. Still on the phone. Not a word to her kids about anything. They opened the door of the elevator at 9/10ths of the way to the top of the space needle for gods sake! Not a peep from her.
When we got to the top sil and I went the opposite direction of TBM mom and her brood. We went straight to a wonderful lunch, complete with coffee and a bottle of red wine. What an incredible validating day I had.