Deedith Saves

Siena's getting better in church, and it's been a long time coming.

Of course, for about her first six months Siena was great in church. She'd fall asleep in the car en route to the 5:30 pm Mass, and stay asleep through dinner afterward. Then she started to keep regular waking hours, and she didn't appreciate sitting in this big, boring room for an hour and not being able to play. It got even worse when she learned to walk and, shortly thereafter, to run. Away from us. And toward the altar.

Since we arrived out west, she's been getting better. You ask her where the priest is, and she points him out. You ask her where Jesus is, and she points to the big crucifix over the altar and says "Deedith." She can even tell you that Jesus is on the cross, though it comes out "dahth." Then today, when everyone knelt down, Siena did likewise. Of course, she's staring straight into the back of the pew in front of us. But she clasps her hands and does her best.

She also insists on walking to Communion, rather than be carried in Daddy's arms. So far she's been remarkably well-behaved, though I keep a firm grip on her hand, just in case.