My mum is coming to stay for a couple of days which is great, I miss her very much. However, with it being the weekend she wants to go to mass (staunch RC). She is legally blind, so instead of just dropping her off at a church and letting her get on with it, I volunteered to go with her. I am absolutely dreading it, as my last experience in a catholic church was not great (I'm saving that for a separate post).
Any words of encouragement or suggestions on making it more bearable will be greatly appreciated...
You could read a book or use some headphones to listen to a good podcast maybe. Don't worry about what the other people there think of you if you decide that you don't want to pay attention. As long as you don't disturb them, they should not care what you do.
Sit her down and tell her you will be watching and sit in view at the back out of the way and read perhaps.
I know that this does not suit you, and probably you would rather go some place else. If you cannot come up with something that your mom would agree to substitute, in place of mass, think about it as just doing something for someone else, simply because it makes them happy (if it really makes her happy). You could study the architecture, and the people...that is what I have done in certain instances. I really do study people! I can tell you...that I would give anything if my mother was still here, so that I could do some little something special for her. And believe me my mom was not a real mother to me. I am not saying this to guilt you, but death is final, there are no 'redos' after death! Nothing...only a memory of what once was...
Be careful to always stand near columns, under arches, and other safe places in case the walls tumble down.
We all do things at one time or another in our lives that we may not like or enjoy. We do them for family and friends out of love and support. You're a good daughter, so put your brave face on and enjoy your mother's company. Just keep telling yourself...it'll soon be over.