
We did manage to get to the Church as Mass was beginning, but I realized that I'd left my veil in the car. There was no way I was going to run out with Vince, up the block to my car, then back again just for the veil. A friend of mine questioned its absence and I simply said "I was running late today."
Bah.
However, the veil is only an outward sign of the inward promise of humility. There's a saying I heard once that really made me better understand the whole idea of veiling...
"Don't wear it over your head unless you've got one over your heart."
In other words - don't make a show of humility unless your heart is prostrate before the Throne of God (because then it becomes just that... a show).
I still felt kinda naked, though. Vince, for his part, thoroughly enjoyed playing with my hair. He attempted to play "peek-a-boo" by closing my hair around my face, then parting it while saying "BOO!" He's so used to playing with my veil that I think he was somewhat delighted to have my hair back.
Aside from playing peek-a-boo with my hair, Vincent was again a little angel. No outbursts, no attempts to run through the Church, and no struggling to steal the goldfish crackers from the child to our left. :)
In fact, I was immensely proud of him at both Communion time and as we exited the Church. As I knelt before receiving the Eucharist, Vincent stooped onto both his knees. I had to help him up so as not to jam the line, but Vincent knelt! He did it again as we exited the Church (I always genuflect, but I don't think Vince has the coordination to only use one knee - it's both or nothing). Ha ha. The visiting priest commented on it and gave Vince a little hair-tousle after our deacon high-fived him. It was simply adorable.
He may not be able to join in the prayers yet, but he's picking things up! This more than makes up for the cringe-worthy events of two weeks ago. :)