The house was freezing, it was still dark. I jumped out of bed 10 minutes before my alarm went off, I always seem to wake up before the alarm. It was going to be the best day. I turned up the heat so the house would be cozy. Packed some seltzers, muffins, and bananas…just in case. Walked the dog, hurry Jasmine, do your thing, I don’t want to be late. Checked arrival status, all good. Off to Newark.
Classic rock, The Pretenders, I love The Pretenders, they remind me of Greg. Potholes galore, must be in the Bronx. Growing up my parents would announce “we’re home” every time we hit the Queens border and the potholes began. George Washington Bridge, lower level, winter filth still coats every surface. I love NY. Twists, turns, side roads, thanks Waze, you have saved me once again. Newark arrivals, pull over on the curb until the cop makes me move. “WE ARE HERE”. They are here. I love the red-eye…an extra full day together. Driving slowly, so so slowly…allowing them to get out of the building…I will do anything to avoid looping around.
I see them, weaving through traffic, laden with their maxed out carry-on bags. I scoot out of the car in the middle of the road, open the hatch, hugs while people beep. The cop does not dare to say a word.
Chatting, whining, laughing. He is here and I can give him a squeeze anytime I want. Bliss. What’s the plan mom? So many plans. Sleep this morning, lunch with friends, dinner then the play in the city. Dad can’t come, he is painting the high school set. Opening night at the HS is tomorrow, oh, and a party, a huge party at our house for everyone involved in the show. I have tickets for you and your friends. Sunday we will have a chill day. Monday we can have your birthday party. Invite who you want. If you meet friends in the city please take the car, no public transportation because of this virus. Just wash your hands…a lot, it will be fine. Don’t hug anyone at the parties. Only hug me.
It’s been a year since those spectacular few days together…before the world changed. Today, there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will not be another year…I am thankful for our health.
Swooning 
Loved it!! ❤ Love every Swoon!!!! One of my favorite things is how you weave in bonus memories. Like knowing you're home when you hit the potholes. So true! For me, it was more lights on the highway. We'd visit family out on LI or upstate and I knew we were "home" when the roads were very well lit! I would think "thank goodness we're back in NYC, where it's safe! 😉
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Ha!!!! “NY where it’s safe” swoon!
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Yep yep yep. I can practically get to LGA in my sleep. My hubby and sons joke, ‘don’t try to give Mom directions in Queens, she gets testy’. Though I’m not a native I have spent SO many waking hours driving to and from Qns public schools that the phrase “for God’s sake, don’t take the Grand Central!” should be tattooed on my lips. Cannot wait till this turns around…and love you and your swoons, Kat.
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Oh I love this… thank you Nelle!!!
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