Add this to my list of "things people say"

I wrote about Karly's fall last weekend and her bravery and courage for enduring the events that evening.  I wrote about how we talked about Chase and how he helped us through the ER visit and was there watching over us, taking care of us.

I went to the church where she fell the next day, with Karly, to tell them what happened and the (many) dangers of the sidewalk where it happened.  I was emotional and upset when it happened and the whole night through.  But by this time, I was not so angry anymore but merely needed to have this horrific obstacle removed from the sidewalk.  In my opinion, it was a hazard not only to the children but also the elderly, and for that matter anyone who could vouch for having tripped on a terrifically uneven sidewalk.  What happened to Karly happened, but I did not want it to happen again to anyone in my family or anyone at all.

The person we spoke to at church, however, was not so impressive.  He seemed genuinely relieved that Karly was okay, but made comments implying that children should not be running in this area.  Nevermind that ridiculous thought--this sidewalk is located between the day care playground and the parking for the parents who pick up their children from the day care.   He told Karly directly, in front of me and 2 other adults, that if she were attending church and would pray more often, this wouldn't have happened.  

{Gasp.}

He did say this as a joke, I am aware, but it was an uncomfortable laughter because it was a horrible joke.  I wondered if he knew he said this to a little girl who not only has more compassion than he does in his little finger but who lost her baby brother a year ago--a sweet boy who had to fight harder than this man will ever know for his fragile little life and lost that fight despite very specific prayers from thousands of people all over the world.

There were no words for this man.  Just a mission to remove a hazard....and the mission was accomplished.