The passing of gas behind me...not silently, but an unmistakable multi-syllabic audible! It was a good thing that I was facing away from her for she did not see my smile, nor the giggle wanting to spread throughout my body. I was ten once again; ready to fall in a fit of laughter with my school buddies. But I couldn't be disrespectful in such a holy place as this. The hour chimes began telling me it was time to leave. Ahh...I am saved by the bell!
I gather up my things and just as I try to slip out of the pew and out the door, I notice that my winter scarf has fallen in the pew behind me. There is simply no way to retrieve it except to turn around, bend and pick it up. Somehow in the process of not controlling where my eyes went in this simple movement of picking up a scarf, they locked in on the woman and our eyes met. Her usual solemn face broke into an innocent grin and she waved goodbye to me knowingly sharing our little secret. Her wave was a full arm wave, beginning with the lift of her shoulder, movement at the elbow, fingers fluttering in front of her face....it was the smile and wave of another ten year old trying to contain the giggles deep within.
That happened several months ago. We both continue the routine of Holy Hour, slipping in quietly to pray, trying not to disturb the peaceful solitude of the adorers. But now, just like this morning, each time I leave, she catches my eye, grins, and waves that ten year old wave as we remember or little secret from months past.
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