10 of 30: Most Embarrassing Moment

If you haven't been following along from the beginning, start here. 


10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.


I must not get embarrassed very often, because I had a hard time coming up with anything in the past several years. The one embarrassing moment that has stuck with me through the years happened when I was about 13 or 14.


My brother, David, had gone on his mission to Brazil several months prior to this event. I wrote to him on a (fairly) regular basis. I was a budding poet at the time (I have since given up on most poetry) and sent him a copy of one of my poems. It was spiritually themed, so I thought it would be a good thing to share with a missionary.


David frequently sent audio tapes of messages to us along with personal letters. Usually, the messages were meant for the whole family, rather than write the same thing in multiple letters. It was good to hear his voice.


Some time after sending the poem, we got letters and a tape back. On the tape, David invited his mission companion to introduce himself and say a few things too. At some point, this Elder (I don't recall his name) spoke to me directly. I was surprised, but my surprise quickly turned to horror.


Elder Whatshisname explained that my brother had shared my poem with him. (Horror!) He thought it was pretty good. (Um... maybe this isn't so bad after all.) He thought it was so good that he said he would like to share a poem he wrote. (And, yes, the horror returns...)


I don't remember now how long the poem was, but it seemed interminable to me at the time. I was so mortified that I remember curling up my legs, putting my head on my knees and hiding my burning face. I don't think my face has ever felt hotter and tighter in my life. I was so embarrassed that my eyes were watering.


I think my family was amused by my reaction, thinking I was pleased by the attention, but all I wanted to do was get out of there. I do like attention, but there was something about that situation that became nightmarish for me.


And there you have it.


Next Time: Describe 10 pet peeves you have.


Until next time... ;)