Three years later, and I still have awkward moments

I'm at church today for Caroline's performance in the Music Makers production of The Land of the Lost and Found.  I stayed for both performances because the family had to come in two waves.  Kirsten and my mom came at 9:45 and The Huffman clan, plus Uncle Mike, and my friend, Ashely came at 11:00.  Before the service started, I saw an former assistant principal of mine and we had a nice conversation.  When she went back to her seat, I heard my name from behind and turned to see the face of a lady I kinda remembered.  She had worked with Jason when he first started teaching, before we met.  She recognized me and came to say hello.  She was visiting the church, and was just so tickled to see me after all of these years.  To be honest, I didn't really remember her beyond her name and association with Jason, but I made polite conversation asking about her family.  After she brought me up to date on her family, she asked about mine.  Typical questions, "How're the kids?" "How old are they now?"  "What grade are they going into?"  Nothing unusual.  I pointed out Jack and explained that Caroline was in the production, and that she'd recognize her because she looked a little like me.  She asked how Jason's parents were doing, and if they'd be coming to that performance, so I explained that they were coming later.

And that's when it got AWKWARD...

She then asked, "Will Jason be coming with them?"

Um....Sort of.  He'll be here, just not really.  After seeing the questioning look on this poor woman's face, it sunk in.  She didn't know.  So I very gently say, "He passed away three years ago."  I felt bad for putting it that way.  I was really gentle in how I delivered it, almost whispered it.

She took my hand, her face really pale, and gave me her condolences.  I thanked her, and then said as cheerfully as I could, "I'm really glad you visited our church today."

I couldn't think of anything else to say, really.  I know that was probably very lame, but it's all that I had.  I think Jason saved me from the awkwardness, because the service started at that point.

We all have those moments.  Heck!  My dad and his father were REALLY estranged and only later in life did they make any attempt to talk.  I had never met the man, and only spoke with him once on the phone.  I later found out that he traveled to Dallas (from his home in Mexico) for business, but never once called or tried to come by.  After I had not heard any news from my dad about him, I asked him one day how his own dad was doing.  He looked at me and said, "Honey he passed away awhile back."  Ooops!  "Awhile" ended up being about three years.

So it happens.  I felt really bad for that lady in church today.  I really do hope she comes back to visit.  I'd like her to know it's okay, and not to feel awkward.  We all have those moments.