The last thing she said to me was through tears. I just want to… and I finished the sentence. Go away. She said yes and I said I know what you mean. I told her she could go up to her old room, lock the door and cry it out. I’d watch the kids. She said no, the hour-long drive would help her; she wouldn’t have to talk, the kids would probably fall asleep. She said thanks, she loved me, and goodbye. I kissed her, said everything will work out, I loved her. She loaded the four kids in the car. The two in the back buckled themselves into boosters. The two in the middle she buckled into car seats. She rolled down her window while she drove away and yelled out, Bye! We all turned and said bye and then went on with our day. It was hectic. What will we do with Amy and her two girls? They were visiting from Charlotte for two weeks. It was hot outside. I offered to take everyone to the beach club. The kids wanted to go swimming.
Sue pulled up. You just missed Patty, I told her. They must’ve driven right by each other. Sue was on her way home with her two boys, John and Jake. Jake was born two days before Patty’s oldest, Duke. They’re both seven, I think. Maybe eight. Oh, who can remember. They were born in the same hospital, I can remember that much, for sure.
We talked about what happened at Chrissy’s house. So many people, I know. It gets confusing. For me too, especially now, I’m 83 years old. 83 years old and I still worry about them like they were teenagers. Patty’s 45, did you know that? When I was 45 I had ten kids and no husband. I’m a widower, yes. But it took twenty years. All I can say is, in the eyes of the Lord, we were married until the day he died.
Yes, ten kids. Let’s see. Amy is the youngest, she lives in Charlotte. She is visiting with her two girls for two weeks. Her husband flew up with her and stayed for a couple of days. He had to work so he went back to Charlotte. Then there’s Patty. She has the four kids: Duke, Olivia, Dean and… I can’t remember the last one. What’s his name? I can’t remember. He’s so cute. He can’t talk yet but such a happy baby. I’m sorry, I can’t remember his name. Then I had Billy — my only son — he has three girls. Nancy has three girls. Bethy has one. Jack. Sweetest boy. Stacey never had kids. She’s married and she takes care of me but I don’t need much help. She makes sure I take my pills and she shovels the driveway in the winter. Sometimes her and Steve sleep over. He’s such a nice man. So good. Then there’s Sue. She has two boys. She lives around the block from here. Chrissy has three boys, Mary has one boy and one girl. And then there’s Ellie, she’s the oldest. She has two kids. One boy and one girl. Her girl has two kids. I’m a great grandmother. Makes me feel so old but I guess I am so old! 83. I think I’m 83. I’m sorry, I’m getting so tired. Where’s Patty now? Where are the kids? They can stay at my house, you know. We have plenty of room, even with Amy and the girls. There’s plenty of room. Okay, yes. Okay. I’ll be here. Is everything alright? Stacey. Is everything alright? Don’t Mom me. I want to know what’s going on.
uppsalaanna 