When Your Mum Comes to Town

When your mum comes to town, special things happen.  You go on trips and see sights.  You take her out to dinner, and she cooks you whatever you want.  You take her for walks, and she tells you what's been happening at home.  She tells you Dad and the boys have been working hard, though they work hard at different things.  Dad works hard at keeping the company on its feet.  Jordy works hard at saving money and learning how to be a good teacher.  Jar works hard at helping customers at the bookstore and increasing his vertical jump. 

When your mum comes to town, you have to do some things.  You have to vacuum the little leaves you've tracked in the front door the last three months.  You have to clean around the bathroom sink where you miss when you spit your toothpaste.  You have to buy vegetables and make your bed.  That pile of shoes that accumulates around the front door?  You have to straighten it.  These are things you should do, but if you don't get to all of them, that's OK.  She'll still love you.  She's your mum.

When your mum comes to town, you want her to meet all of the people you've met while you've been away.  You drag her around town to meet the small children and the children's mothers and fathers and their fussy little baby sisters.  You take her to church with you so she can meet all the lovely old people who are now your friends.  You introduce her to people and laugh as they comment that you look so alike.  They always say that.  You show her the places that have become important to you, like the library and the taco shop and the ocean and the houses you've lived in. 

When your mum comes to town, you try to be responsible so she won't worry about you when she leaves.  You make plans and dinner reservations and omelets.  You buy her lunches because she's been buying yours forever and it's about time you had a turn.  You skip enough to let her know you're happy, but not enough to make her think you're crazy.  You go to bed at a reasonable hour so she knows you sleep, but late enough so that she knows she's special enough to stay up late talking with.

At least, that's what happens when my mum comes to town.

Thanks for coming to town, Mum,

Little Miss Sunshine