Oops... by the way

Though for the most part, the way my ex & I deal with Sophie and her schedules and all that it entails, there are still some 'delicate' areas that we have to navigate occasionally.

First a little background.  Though my ex is technically Jewish (her Mom is Jewish), she was brought up Catholic and now considers herself Christian and belongs to a local Congregational Church.  She & I agreed, however, that we would bring Sophie up Jewish.  This has been going well and Sophie's other Mom (G) comes to all Temple Sunday school events, and all of the annual class Shabbat services/dinners. 

It's been a little uncomfortable during the first few years at these dinners due to the 'regulars' (congregants who come to services on a regular basis, like we do) know Linda & me and were curious as to who G was.  Added to this uncomfortableness, it also excludes Linda, as G won't even sit with Linda & I in these or any other Temple event for Sophie.  So either I sit with Linda (and G brings a friend) or Sophie, G & I sit together and Linda doesn't attend.

So a few weeks ago, I received the letter from the Temple announcing that the 2nd & 3rd grade Shabbat service/dinner was to be Friday Feb 27th.  I got that 'pit' in my stomach and put the paper in the pile that is in my reminder pile.

Well I uncovered it this morning.  I realized that dinner is tomorrow night!  Oy.

I considered not telling G about it.  That would make it that much easier.  Linda & I could just do our normal Shabbat thing with Sophie and attend the dinner.

However, I really am glad that G is supportive in Sophie's Jewish education and it's important for Sophie to have both her parents participate in these events, especially, when they don't occur that often. 

Yes, it may be a little uncomfortable tomorrow night, I know it will be good for Sophie to have G with us.  It sends a good message and like the old adage, actions speak louder than words.

So I called G this morning and apologized for the late notice in letting her know about the services/dinner.  She is interested in going, so we'll go.  It'll be fine.

Perhaps this year, it will be more comfortable. 

And Linda is going to be at services with some friends of ours and just maybe it'll all be alright.  Linda just won't come to the dinner afterward.  Maybe she'll go out with our friends.  I'm thankful she's such a good sport in these situations.

Comments

[Tina-cious.com]

Yeah, I know the feeling... thankfully it's not exactly like your situation but every now and then K tries to step in in a step-parent capacity and -- well -- it's frickin' annoying. LOL

Yay Sophie!

[KMae]

Oh NO. What a mess, that is such a shame. Actually the fact that she won't sit with you & Linda is ridiculous under the circumstances that you are all doing this for Sophie, poor baby. Congratulations to you for trying to deal with it in the best way possible, and LINDA is a SAINT to put up with 'what's her name's' BS.

And quite frankly she doesn't really 'sound' that "Christian."
Not to judge...I'm just sayin'.

[Deborah]

Co-parenting, step-parenting, melding & mingling families is tough. No doubt. Bravura to you, Linda & G for making the effort, as uncomfortable as it may be, for Sophie's sake. Perhaps it will get easier as time goes on.

Peace.