21 Comments »

Comment by melissa d.
2007-07-30 11:57:56

oh, i just love, love, love hearing kati stories. i hope i get to meet that kid one day. sounds a lot like you! love ya and miss ya lots.
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Comment by Dawn C.
2007-07-30 12:07:34

Wow. Tell Kati way to know her own mind. Does she ever discuss her reasons for making this decision with you?

In any case, I can’t wait to see what she turns out to be when she grows up, given her self assurance at 9.

Also, kudos for your mom for backing her decision … eventually.
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Comment by Rebecca Adler
2007-07-30 12:22:26

M-Doll: I’m sure you’ll meet Kati one day. She’s still my little hero, even if I only see her a couple times a year.

Dawn: Nope, I’ve never talked to her about it. I worried that if I asked her about it she’d feel like I was pressuring her too. Because to a kid, “So how come you don’t want to get baptized?” sounds a lot like “Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t get baptized.” You know? I hope I can talk to her about it one day without feeling like I’ll be on the wrong side of the fence no matter what I say.
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Comment by Kaytie M. Lee
2007-07-30 12:44:25

I’m impressed that your sister is treating the decision about whether to become baptized as a life-decision and not as a reason for a party or a mindless step.

She may eventually choose to be baptized later or not, but no matter what, the one thing everyone will be able to say is that she made a thoughtful decision that was right for her.

And I’m glad to hear that your mother is supporting her decision!
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Comment by Lenore
2007-07-30 13:41:38

damn, go kati. i wish i had her balls.

i wasn’t baptized because i am a dirty jew.
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Comment by Richard Ferguson
2007-07-30 14:58:30

Lovely story, Rebecca.
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Comment by Martyn Smith
2007-07-30 15:59:33

Not only is she adorable, but she’s strong too. I think kids should have a say in that sort of thing, especially when it comes to a religion that some people (not myself) would argue was extreme, or at least extreme for a child. Great post.
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Comment by 1159
2007-07-30 16:13:48

Jesus is loving her chutzpah!

“Stick it to the man Kati!” he is saying!

You should be proud!
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Comment by Elizabeth
2007-07-30 20:25:11

I’m so so so curious what Kati’s motivations are. Is she generally independent and rebellious, or is there something particular in the baptism that she doesn’t want? Children that age are absolutely fascinating. Please write another post and tell us!
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Comment by Rebecca Adler
2007-07-30 22:31:53

Thanks everybody for the comments! I have to admit I’ve never asked her why she’s made this decision because I’ve been afraid of how she’ll interpret my questioning her. But it looks like I’m going to have to ask her so I can let you all know!
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Comment by Emma R
2007-07-31 00:51:45

Rebecca - What a brave kid. I’d also like to know how she came to this decision. I didn’t expect your mother to come around though: that was a surprise ending.

It may be that your decision to make your own life outside of your family’s church allowed her to think of it as a possibility. Well played, both of you!
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Comment by rk
2007-07-31 02:30:35

RA:

My parents put off my own baptism because our Washington Redskins were playing in the Super Bowl that Sunday…

…and look how I turned out…

Great piece about a really interesting young woman!

RK
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Comment by Rebecca Adler
2007-07-31 05:22:16

RK: Haha! The Super Bowl should always take precedence.

Emma: I think you’re probably right. Of nine children only about three of us are really active in the church anymore. I think seeing that probably effected her decision.
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Comment by Meg
2007-07-31 07:54:12

My grandmother insisted I be confirmed and my mother agreed. I did it begrudgingly and to this day haven’t gone back to mass. If anything, I hate the Catholic Church more because of it.

Good for Katie - standing up for what you don’t believe in is just as important as standing up for what you do believe in.

Eloquent post.
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Comment by Chason
2007-07-31 08:01:59

Wow. That’s one stubborn kid. What exactly is her reasoning for not wanting to be baptized? I know a lot of people who were baptized and who now rarely go to church. I think it’s great that she is standing up for what she believes in, or, as you put it, doesn’t believe in. I can’t imagine having been strong enough in my beliefs at nine years old to be able to say no about anything to my parents, let alone people from a church that my parents go to.
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Comment by Christina
2007-07-31 09:50:33

I’m so proud of your sister and i’m glad your mom finally got wise to what realistically was going on. As you know we share a lot of religious background/experience… different religion smiliar rebellion lol. i know how tricky that fine line is between encouraging a younger sister’s independence and strength and being that overly opinionated sister… trust we’re like sisters from another mister!
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Comment by Layla
2007-07-31 22:45:03

There’s something about determination at that age. I’ve never been a decisive person but when I was 8 or 9, I set my foot down regarding a family thing, and I never budged. And I certainly never regretted it. Go Kati!
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Comment by jennifer white
2007-08-02 06:01:55

Wow, I loved reading this–of hearing how both of you have made your own path.
I also adore that first pic of you two.
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