That Pang In My Heart

The snow started around 2 o’clock, just an hour before he was to arrive at the bus stop, which is only half a block from our house.  The wind was cold and the temperature was dropping.  I didn’t want him to walk even that short of a distance in the wet wind.  I quickly made him his favorite hot tea and put it in a to go cup, so he could have it as soon as he got into the warm car.  I left the cupcake I sprinkled for him on the table, so he’d know I was thinking of him and awaiting his arrival. 

I gathered my camera to capture an “everyday” moment of him getting off the bus and started the car.  I turned the heat full blast so it would be warm when he got in.  The tea was steaming delicious goodness out of the lid.  I pulled out of the garage and wasn’t even out of the driveway when I heard it. My cell phone rang and it was his ring, a pinball machine dinging and donging. 

“Hey, Mom. Can I go over to my friend’s house and you pick me up after you get the little guy?”  I could hear all his friends in the background laughing.   I said, “yes.”  I offered to pick them up and take them over there since it was so cold, but he said they’d probably just walk.  It was more than a half a block away.  He didn’t mind the cold.

I sighed in the car and pulled it right back into the garage and carried his hot tea into the kitchen and ate his cupcake.   

His mom was looking forward to him coming home.  He was looking forward to time with his friends.  It’s a good thing.  I know it is.  It’s my little reminder that I have to let go and let him grow.  That doesn’t mean it’s always easy and free of that pang in my heart.  I felt that pang for a few minutes today.  Ok, maybe several minutes.  Who am I kidding?

FEBRUARY VOCAB CHALLENGE 101

Day 4

verdigris:  (noun)  A bluish-green patina formed on copper, brass or bronze when exposed to water or air for a long time.