I remember listening all agog and somewhat appalled as a child when my mother told me the story of how she stole cream buns - we are talking 1938 here. She was seven and ran errands for a wealthy neighbour who had an account at the local bakery. One day my mum went in and ordered 4 fresh cream buns and asked for them to be put on 'Mrs Brown's account.' She then took them to the local churchyard and scoffed the lot. It caught up with her a week later when the account needed settling and she was given the belt by my granddad!
Fast forward 35 years and picture me sitting at lunch with my own little family, telling them how, in 1973, I stole a teacher's strawberry yoghurt (early life kleptomania must run in our family). I was 10. Our classroom was next to the staff room and some of us were given the 'privilege' of washing up after break, usually in pairs, but this time I was on my own. There wasn't a fridge and I espied a bag with two pots left on the table ... I couldn't resist, peeled back the lid of one and helped myself to some. Somehow I didn't think the loss would be noticed!
After lunch the head and deputy came in and made us all stand to attention. They proceeded to accuse two boys who were known to be trouble, but who vehemently protested their innocence. We were kept standing for some time as they waited for someone to 'crack'. No result. We were then told that if the culprit did not admit their offences, none of us would go swimming that afternoon. None of us went swimming that afternoon!!!!!
It was as I was telling my children this story (some 30 years later), that I suddenly felt overwhelmed with guilt and said a heartfelt 'sorry' in my mind to my class and especially those two boys. I also realised, as I was retelling the story, that I had avoided eating strawberry yoghurt for years - and likely could trace it back to that event!
Naturally my own children were agog and appalled, which added greatly to my sense of shame! However, I am reminded of these stories because I was chatting to my 2 week old GS (as you do) and telling him what a lovely mum he has and how I have lots if stories to tell him about her ... including the time she vandalised a bench ...
What is your story - if you can bear to tell?