August 11, 2004

Small Escape from Reality

Today, barring any unforeseen problems, is the day my mother will be released from hospital and I, being the dutiful son, will go to fetch her home as my father does not return from his business trip until tonight.

But I don't have to go get her until the late morning, so I am not going to the office today and instead am going to take the opportunity to enjoy my daughter. I am going to take her out for breakfast -- pancakes and chocolate milk for her -- and then take her to her day camp. I am so excited. I told her about it last night and she woke up early this morning and came running into my room at 6:55 and said, "are you staying home today?" And for once, on a weekday, I was able to say that I was.

She climbed up into my lap and installed herself with her head on my collar bone and her hands tucked into her stomach to keep herself warm and just lay there silently while I traced her shoulder blade with my thumb. I closed my eyes and just existed for a moment. It was a moment of beautiful stillness with an otherwise perpetual motion machine. She then lifted her head and asked me if we were still going out for breakfast and I told her we were and she hummed happily and put her head back down again, visions of pancakes dancing in her head, no doubt.

I think today is going to be a better day.

Posted by Random Penseur at August 11, 2004 07:11 AM
Comments

No doubt. Hope you have a great day!

Posted by: Mick at August 11, 2004 08:42 AM

What a difference a few hours makes. Enjoy your day, R.P.

Posted by: Wicked H at August 11, 2004 09:16 AM

RP,

I thought about y'all all day yesterday. Hope everything went smoothly and you and your family are settled and happy.

Mandalei

Posted by: Mandalei at August 12, 2004 08:28 AM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the good wishes.

Posted by: RP at August 13, 2004 04:54 PM
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