I learned three important lessons in that time; learn the recipe but always cook from the heart; always say fuck you with a smile, and there was nothing more impressive than someone with a kind soul.I wanted nothing more than to be like them when I grew up.I was in awe.Still was.
“Theo, baby, help lay the table while I talk with your sister.”The image rustled around as the phone changed hands until I was looking at my mama’s beautiful beaming smile.
Seeing her reminded me how badly I wanted to reach through the phone and wrap her in a fierce hug.“I missed you,” I said, feeling a little overwhelmed.
“Oh, sweetie, I missed you more.Gosh, you look thin.Are you eating enough?You know if you don’t get enough sleep that can wreak havoc on your digestion.I saw a show about it last night.”
Goddammit, I loved this woman.“Yes, mama, I’m eating enough.And I sleep just fine.”Most days.I wasn’t going to count last night.
“I don’t know how, working all hours of the day and night.”
“Theo works longer shifts than me.Why aren’t you worried about him?”
“Oh, I am.But Theo is on a journey,” Lord, give me strength.Here we go.“I don’t want to be eighty and still see you behind that bar slinging drinks for the rest of your life.Especially since you keep telling me I won’t get grandchildren.”
Wow, not even five minutes.That had to be a new record.I couldn’t help smiling at her.“Ok, that’s it.Where’s dad?”
“Oh, your father?He’s watching a property brothers marathon.Did you want to talk to him?”
“Nah, that’s ok.I just called to check in, see how you were doing.Chat.”
“I’m wonderful, darlin.It’s you I’m worried about.Are you sure you’re ok?I’m going to send you a new scarf.I know how much you hate the cold.”She was right; I did hate the cold.But it was still July.It wouldn’t get cold for months.
“Thanks, mama.And yes.I’m ok.I just wanted to hear your voice.”The timer went off, and I pulled the cookie sheet out as fast as I could.The smell was amazing, full of vanilla and memories, and I barely missed scarring the inside of my mouth by tearing into one immediately.
“Alright, well, you make sure you’re looking after yourself.You deserve to be happy, baby.”
I swallowed the lump of emotion that rose up.Mama always had a way of making it sound so simple.Just be happy, as if it were that easy.
