Sunday morning I awake to the sound of a car engine. My newly licensed daughter has been driving her brother's Mustang while he's away at college for lack of a better vehicle. We hope to change this soon. Let's just say the entire house rumbles when she starts the ignition. Not practical.
I roll over and groan, still exhausted from the Friends + Family Fiasco at work. Cell phone buzzes. I open one eye and read message.
Daughter: "Going to Starbucks. What do you want?"
Oh, Starbucks! It's going to be a good day. I decide to open the other eye.
Dog comes over, he's excited I'm awake. He gives me an expectant look, the one that says: "It's time for my belly rub and praise, get with it."
I text daughter: "Anything with coffee. Surprise me. Love you. Drive safe."
She returns and the dog wants to run outdoors to greet her the minute he hears the rocketship Mustang coming down the street. He gets lost in the lawn which is completely overgrown. I am not sure what needs to be trimmed more, the lawn or the dog, who is looking beyond shaggy.
Daughter bounces in and we revel in our caffeinated glory. We sip our Pumpkin Spiced Lattes while we search for our dog, who is now ear-high in what used to be the front lawn.
Me to daughter: "I wonder where our lawn guy is? I'll have to call him. I don't know what is hairier the lawn or the dog?"
Daughter: "If you want I can take the dog for a haircut while you are at work."
She lays a beach towel down in the backseat of her car in the event the dog should get himself so worked up he vomits, (yes, this is my life, people). Engine roars. Dog looks at me wide-eyed. He's terrified. He thinks he's going to the moon. Daughter is smiling. She's busy picking out a tune. She's not concerned with the dog's neurotic ways. She pulls away with the sound of music escaping from her car window and a shaking mutt in the backseat. One hairy dilemma solved. Just like that.
I just want to extend a hug to anyone who lost someone they loved in remembrance of 9/11. We will never forget.
Debby-
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what you write here. Being a single parent is something else, although it does have its perks.
The car thing is hilarious. Isn't it amazing how things bounce off of young people, lol?
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Good morning dear friend..
ReplyDeleteI love your story telling. I can see myself somewhere in Boston or its environs, hearing you tell the story or BEING there...smelling the sea air, seeing the familiar sights......and laughing as you recount your story.
9/11 was a horrific day. It is the same day I started my teaching license program and I fully remember he reaction of the university president as we all walked into the school.....it was chilling then, it is chilling now to recollect the images that played. I am grateful to be alive, to have love in my life.
Be well today, and I JUST LOVED YOUR DESCRIPTION OF THE DOG IN THE BACK SEAT thinking he was going to the moon!!!!!!!! Anit
Coffee makes everything better, don't you think?I am so impressed with your daughter and her maturity, and support...seriously commendable. You have done a great job being a fabulous mother Debby and should be very proud!! Love your "stories" they could easily be made into a book.....you definitely pull me right in. 9/11 is a tough day but its also my sons birthday, so we make it a happy day while I silently acknowledge all those for whom this is a very difficult day. I think the best and most important thing we can ALL do is celebrate life, family and the love we are here to give and receive.
ReplyDeleteI was at Starbucks the day Pumpkin Spice hit the store...I love it and it does make the morning better. Last night my husband had to drive for four hours to help my daughter with something. It was unexpected on a Monday Night...but the love of a father was willing to do this for her and her husband. It is so good that you have the same kind of love for your children and that your relationship is growing closer. Cherish each moment.
ReplyDeleteI will be teaching my teens today why they should NEVER FORGET.
Funny, sweet, and sobering. Great post. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous story Debby & what better way to start the day than with a Starbucks!!
ReplyDeleteHave a fab Tuesday Hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
I can imagine the dog's face. My SPringer SPaniel loves to ride in the car. She sits in the car seat that the grandchildren use.....his idea. He just rides and never makes any noise. Then there is the little Yorkie. Oh my, she is all over the place, barking climbing on me, looking for crumbs........not fun.
ReplyDeleteGood morning dearest!
ReplyDeleteI tell ya Debby, it would be my ultimate DREAM to publish my writings and sell them to ANTHROPOLOGIE or get hooked up with them. My only dilemma in my blog posts is the PHOTOS. They are not mine, so I would have to maybe illustrate some of my posts. AND WHO DO I CONTACT!!! I need to get bold and find out WHO do I contact and be ready with something to propose to them. But let me tell you, I aim to do it some way! THANK YOU for your support and I have had SO MUCH FUN with my new blog design! MANY HUGS! Anita
Debby....isn't life grand? Even when with hairy situations there's the goodness of a daughter and the taste of coffee to make the day something special. Your writing is getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteYes, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who lost a loved one on 9/11. Debby, you are such a fantastic writer! I love reading your dialogues and short stories. Today was very entertaining and uplifting! Have a good day my dear. XO Allison
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post! And, caffeine does seem to make everything better, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteDebby .. your post was brilliant! thanks for adding a smile in my day. xo C. (HHL)
ReplyDeleteI think it's brilliant too. Sounds like my life, except no one offers me coffee, it's me who does the offering of anything/everything. Maybe I'll let my lawn grow a bit.....
ReplyDeleteLovely post, beautiful romantic images, that girl is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe world will never forget that day, most of us cried with you.
Xo
Tereza
Your daughter is a gem!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great story, grinning from ear to ear! Cherish those moments with your kids...mine are all grown and no longer in the house, so when they do come and visit it's so welcoming! And yes, we will never forget!!!
ReplyDeletewww.donnaviningblog.com
What a great post this is Debby and your daughter is just darling and so thoughtful. You must be very proud of your kids through all this.. and it a true testament to what kind of mom you are :)
ReplyDeletexx
leslie