“We do. Your father loves the Quaker Oats packet ones for the microwave,” Lily said and went to the pantry. She brought out a variety box as Stanley came over to sit beside me at the breakfast bar.
“These are the best flavors of oatmeal, and you can make them in a fraction of the time. No more standing over a stove,” he said and winked at me.
“We have those at home too,” I said. “And I agree with you. Why stand in front of a stove when you can pop it in the microwave?”
Russell selected two packets and put them on the counter before he pulled two bowls out of the cupboard.
“Well, at least let me make your oatmeal. I can’t believe you drove two thousand miles for Quaker instant oatmeal.”
“You’re hosting a big dinner tomorrow. Trust me, I can make the oatmeal.”
“I know you can.” Lily turned to look at me. “Even as a little boy he was always adamant about being able to do things on his own.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” I said and smiled when I looked at Russell.
“Did you even ask Ryan what kind he would like?” She glanced at the packets Russell had picked out and then brought the box over to me.
“I didn’t have to ask him. I know what he likes.”
“I don’t doubt that at all, Russell. But perhaps he’d like a different flavor today.”
Russell laughed and walked over to where I sat. He set a mug of coffee down on the coaster in front of me and wrapped his arm around me. He jostled me and playfully rubbed on my bicep.
“Ryan is steadfast in what he likes. He likes the brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal.”
Russell went back to tending to our breakfast while Stanley and Lily spoke about the day.
“We need to get the table extended and the extra chairs for the dining table first. I’d like to be able to set the table tonight,” Lily said as Russell brought my bowl of oatmeal over. Before he went back to get his, he plucked a banana out of the snack bowl and set it in front of me. “Russell said you loved bananas,” Lily commented.
“I do, yes. I try to eat two before I go jogging.”
“Jogging is good for the heart. Russell, do you keep up with this young man?” Stanley asked.
“I do my best. When we jog together, we stay at an even pace. When he wants to run, well, then he runs on his own. I can’t keep up with his sprinting.”
“Lily, don’t forget that I need to take the basket and quilt to Madeline and Henry’s by one o’clock for the church thing,” Stanley reminded her.
“It’s almost ready. I just need to wrap the quilt.”
“What are you guys doing? Church donation?” Russell asked as he sat beside me to eat.
“Yes. Each year the church selects a family in need for Thanksgiving. The family the church selected just adopted their two grandchildren, and they’re on a fixed income with social security. Do you remember Madeline and Henry Hatfield, Russell?”
“I believe so. Her son was in my grade.”
“He’s been in and out of trouble with the law since you went to college.”
“I remember him from high school.”
“Anyhow, Madeline and Henry are taking the items to the family on behalf of the church this evening. I made quilts for each of the little kids that were adopted.”
“That was kind of you.” Russell looked at me before he spoke. “Mom knits and crochets.”
“And I do stitch-work,” Lily added proudly.
“Russell, will you help with the table extensions?” Stanley asked.
“Of course. I’ll help as soon as we’re done with breakfast. We’ll have the list knocked out in no time.”
