She always looks like this
The very next day, Sara was going to her mom’s, and I was heading back to NYC – but not home.
My mom had some legal stuff that I had to help her out with – plus my sister and her entire family was away and I didn’t like the thought of her being alone in the house.
So, I went to keep her company for a few days.
Her: I’m not a child, you don’t have to stay!
Me: First of all, you’re not, but this might take more than a day to do. Second of all, your air conditioner is much better than mine.
Unfortunately, because of the timing, I had to cut my trip short with Sara because of it.
Sara: Well, I’m not happy. But I understand.
Me: And that, is why you’re the best. I’ll make it up to you, promise.
Her: You better.
Sara was such a doll – she even booked my flight back.
In North Carolina, it was so humid outside that the AC was literally steaming up the inside of the plane.
But I’d heard that NYC was even worse.
I arrived at LGA in less than 90 mins – it woulda been shorter but I flew out on the 4th of July and the airspace over DC was closed so we had to go ten minutes out west and come back ten minutes.
Still, a LOT better than our return trip two years ago.
I immediately hopped into a cab and headed to see my mom.
Honestly, I really wanted to go home and be in my own apartment and bed, but my family needed me so off I went.
The legal work took a little longer than I anticipated – that, plus the heat was ridonk; the real feel was 107 degrees.
Her: Should we turn on the air conditioner?
Me: Nah, we can just sit here and sweat.
Her: OK.
Me: That was sarcasm! It’s 107, mom!
It had been well over 15 years since I last slept over there. Maybe 20 years?
If anyone felt like a kid, it was me. She kept cautioning me to be careful when I went outside.
Me: You know I’m 53, right mom?
But I get it. I think my kid will always be my little boy, no matter how old he gets.
And, while my mom looks like the photo above these days, in my head she always looks like this (I’m probably thinking of food in this pic):
Honestly, it was nice spending some time with her, just the two of us.
Her: You did such a good job by yourself with [your son].
Me: Well, I had a lotta help.
Her: It’s not easy. Being a parent. (later) I was a good parent, right?
Me: The best, mom. You were and are the best. I love you like a fat kid loves cake.
Her: (wrinkling her nose) What does that mean?!
Me: (shrugging) Just something Alison used to say.
Her: Oh, you were so fat when you were young. (laughs)
Me: (nodding) I’m not unaware, mom.
Location: the somewhat cooler apartment
Mood: pensive
Music: I’m just trying to find my way home (Spotify)
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