Neighbors

by Pat Scholl -

Jan 26, 2005

The holidays are wonderful for relaxing and getting together with family and friends. I love the parties, and the time off, (especially the time off!) and the wonderful food, etc.

Now that the holidays are at an end, though, we are once again thrust into the daily rush.

The first major hurdle to overcome was the “getting-up-in-time-for-school” obstacle. The first day back to school was dreadful.  When that alarm rang at 6:30 for me to get up, I never thought I’d drag myself out of bed. That poor abused snooze button!

I heaved myself up, got dressed and trudged down the dark hall towards the kids’ rooms. It certainly didn’t help matters any that it was pitch black as I stumbled over God knows what just inside Marie’s room. I flipped on her light switch and she uttered some sort of guttural sound as she SLOWLY came to consciousness.  Marie is not a morning person…I am.  Marie needs at least the amount of time it takes to peel Patrick out of the top bunk of his bunk bed in order to come alive.

Allowing for that fact, I proceeded to Patrick’s room, opened the door and turned on the light. No Patrick!  I searched the covers, but to no avail. As I turned to leave the room, I noticed Patrick peering out of the window that looks onto the street.

“Momma! It’s not time to get up|!” he screeched, “It’s still dark outside! I can’t ride my bike to school in the dark! I’ll crash on something!”

Good point, I thought. “Patrick, don’t worry. I know that by the time you have to leave for school, it will be light out.”

I looked at his face and it was apparent he did not share my confidence. “Is it really time to get up?” he asked. One of his eyebrows was higher than the other as he screwed up his mouth in a perfect expression of skepticism.

“Yes dear, it is really time to get up.” I assured him. “You need to get dressed and brush your teeth.”

I felt weary as I turned toward Marie’s room. She had been sent to bed on time, but I was ready to bet she hadn’t gone to SLEEP until way past. “OK, Marie, up an’ at ‘em!”  I figured I’d sing her a really obnoxious song and declare that I’d stop singing when she got up.  That would probably do it; Marie is not a fan of my silly morning songs.

To my surprise, Marie came bounding out of her room, dressed and ready to go!! You could have knocked me over with a feather. “Marie! You’re wonderful! How come you’re awake?”

“I can’t WAIT to see my friends, momma! I missed them SO much!” she squealed in a delighted voice. Her face was lit up and so happy, it was impossible for me not to smile. I knew her feelings would change, but I was just thankful that she picked this morning to be happy.

I’m happy to report we all made it to our various destinations on time that day, but I think Marie, on that first morning, was truly the happiest child I saw for the entire week. Happy New Year to everyone!