TruMama

You got sick during the night. It was nasty, but you are always so sweet about it all. At the mention of staying home from school, you spoke up and told us you WERE going to school. Poor guy. Fever. Vomiting. And sweetness. You really are a good patient.

You fell right back to sleep. Me, no such luck. I spend the rest of the night feeling your forehead and listening for the first sound of grab-the-boy-and-run-to-the-bathroom-before-it-comes-out-everywhere. Some time before my alarm, I doze off and bounce right back up. I walk about in a stupor. What do I do if I don’t have to pack your lunch? Oh yeah, blow dry my hair. What do I do if I don’t have to get you dressed? Oh yeah, leave a little early. What do I do if I don’t have to carry you to the car? (Yes, I carry all of you to the car because you can’t wake up. I will probably get another hernia, but I love your head on my shoulder.) So, what do I do? Oh yeah, look at you one last time laying in the bed sleeping. I feel weird. I pull the front door shut. I walk out into this new morning feeling so strange. For 5 years these are exactly the things I did each morning. All of a sudden, it all feels so wrong.

It was a lonely ride to school. Even though you are normally asleep on the drive and it’s quiet, you’re there. This morning the quiet makes me feel lost. It’s funny how for 14 years I rode to school every single day by myself. Alone. That’s the only thing I ever knew…until just over a month ago when you started riding with me. In an instant, that 14 year old habit was nonexistent. I mean, like it never happened. Like that was someone else entirely. The 31 days we’ve been in school seem like the way it’s always been. How is that?

I get to school. I turn my lamps on by myself. No Minecraft video playing in the background. No pouring of juice. No reminder to brush teeth. Just me and my classroom and I move through my morning routines, but I keep thinking to myself, “Tru is not down the hall.” It makes me appreciate how much I love knowing you are there and so close to me. What a lesson in habits and our ability to adapt and change. My 14 year old habits are gone and my 31 day old habits are solid.

Then I come home. To this…

Yes. 2 naughty dogs. During the night I left the dirty linens in the hall to be washed. I should have known better, but it was the middle of the night. It was dark. They really should be more considerate, but I guess they picked up on the smell. And thought it a good idea to eat the mattress pad to pieces. The mess extended way past my camera lens. But, that wasn’t quite enough, so they romped around the yard for a bit. Hey, why not? The sprinklers were on. Fun time. When they were all done they came back in through the doggy door and left muddy paw prints all. over. the. house.

What a crazy day. I’m having a cup of coffee.

I hope tomorrow is back to normal.

I love you too much!