Saturday Mornings

Once upon a time, not so long ago...I would sleep in on Saturday morning. Upon my rise, I would go into the kitchen and see my mother sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, the bible, and a cigarette. Her hair would be in curlers, she would already by dressed for the day, and the house would have a clean scent from her early morning cleaning. One quick glance at the coffee pot would let me know whether or not it was safe to discuss any plans for the day. If the pot was full, then she hadn't had enough to make her civil, so any plans would be shot down. If the pot was closer to being empty, then the odds were better. Either way, it was our custom to sit and chat for a few minutes. We would talk about my week at school, the boys, her work, and whatever else came up. That was our special time. That relationship has carried through to my own family.

Today, I wake up early, straighten the house, and get around before anyone else. Normally, Comanche is the last one up, but we still have a few minutes to chat and discuss the day's activities. I write this now because last night it occurred to me that Comanche will only be in high school for three more years. This revelation came upon me when we made a trip to Wal-Mart to get a new remote control for his television.

We were standing in line, waiting for the cashier. Comanche was standing behind me and said, "Mom, stand up straight." I turned and looked dead into his chest and said, "I am." I turned back around because, well, because it hurts my heart that I can't eye ball him anymore. I heard him chuckle low in his chest, and then he said, "Really." I think he was saying it just to have something to say, but it struck a chord with me. I turned and said, "Really." Then I smiled because he had the most charming look on his face. He was so enchanted with himself, that I simply couldn't lay into him for being taller than me.

So today is Saturday, I am up before everyone else, and I am in anticipation of what Comanche will do and say today. I am not in a rush to make the house smell or even appear clean because he won't be up for hours, but I will get my Dr. Pepper (sans Coffee), and a cigarette. I will also grab the bible because I always need the Lord, and this morning I will say a special prayer and probably include the word "really" when talking to my God. He will understand, I am sure of it.