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Atheist parenting story........
These heathens are mine. Pic is a few years old. It is of my girl playing Taps as the flag was lowered and replaced at the cemetery on Memorial Day. Repeated at every cemetery in town. In addition to Memorial services both at City Hall and the public beach.
Every year for 6 years she did this. We did this.
She chose to make tribute. She felt compelled to honor the fallen.

Her band director passed something on to me - 3 parents had approached him with their concern that an Atheist family was 'representing the school' in such a public way.

Yeah, you heard that right.

Mind you, none of us is very vocal about our lack of belief; we all agree it is well enough to just be who we are without shouting out about it.

None of the Memorial services had any connection to the school. I am well known as the head 'Band Mom', having volunteered for 6 years. We live not in the deep South, but a stones throw from NYC.

Our band director - bless his Italian Catholic heart - shut those parents down. Hard.

You may worry over the chance that your Atheist/Agnostic/Humanist babies will be judged as they are growing - they very well might be. In some places they most certainly will be. But honestly, when I discussed what had happened with my girl she was quick to understand - how 'disappointing' those parents view was. Also quick to appreciate her - theist -directors response to them.

My advice, always, is to raise your kids as you see fit and only give to them what you genuinely can give.
In this story - your godlessness.

I hope you'll honor the fallen along with us next week ❤

AmiSue 8 May 20
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7 comments

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0

The little things, that's where life is at....

1

So...first of all I adore that her brother is holding the umbrella for her. Second, what a wonderfully selfless thing for your daughter to do. GREAT job raising them mom!

I love that the band director stood up for your daughter and find it amazing that when you discussed what happened that she was so very mature about it.

@AmiSue ha! Yes, I probably would have let them have it had someone said that to me about my children. I'm assuming the band director handled it better than I would have.

1

You have taught her respect for other human beings. That is one of the highest lessons you can pass on, regardless of belief. She deserves to hold her head high, you too.

Tilia Level 7 May 21, 2018
3

Awesome parenting award goes to you!

2

Good parenting.

3

Ugh. How do so many miss that separation of church and state thing? She's completely respectful, taking it seriously. You have done a great job mom!

Also, I don't see any other band student or band famolies playing/standing out in the rain.

3

Thank You for all you do as a Parent.

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