“Happy Easter, Mom.”
“Easter? Is it Easter already?”
“Yes, Mom, you know it is.”
“Is that the reason for this call? Is that
why you sent those lilies?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“They smell funny, Valerie. You should get
your money back. Your brother sent us a delicious basket of fruit. He always
has such good ideas. It’s from an outfit called Edible Arrangements; you should
look into it.”
“Er, Mom, I sent you Edible Arrangements
for your birthday, and you said the kiwis gave you heartburn. So (me changing the subject quickly), what
are you doing today?”
“What do you think I’m doing?”
“I have no idea.” Salsa dancing? Skydiving? Clay-pigeon shooting?
“Well, I’ll tell
you what I won’t be doing. I won’t be spending the day with my children.”
“Mom, I told you that work is really busy right
now and I can’t get away, but I promise I’ll come up and visit really soon.”
“Yes, I totally understand. A two-hour
drive from Chicago to Door County does seem impossible—”
“It’s more like five hours, Mom, and Sunday is a hectic day for Realtors.”
“People spend Easter Sunday buying houses?
What kind of people are you dealing with?”
“They are heathens, Mom.”
“Well. I won’t keep you. I know how hectic your life is. Thank you for the
phone call. But don’t worry about us.”
“I’m not worried, Mom, I just—”
“Valerie, I have to go. There’s a car
parked in our driveway, and I better go see who it is. Probably some kind soul
who actually wanted to visit us for Easter.”
“Yes, someone who very much wanted to visit you.” From my car window, I watch her open her front door, her phone still in her hand.
“Valerie!
Oh, my goodness. You made that six-hour trip to see us? I hope you brought me
some of those chocolate eggs. You know they are my favorite!”
“Yes, Mom, I’ve got six right here.” I started out with eight, but succumbed to eating two of them on the ride up. Still, I was confident they wouldn’t give her heartburn.
