Write On

 When we last left our heroes they were in the cafeteria, and Sam was wondering if Chris and Becca would ever really get along.  Becca seemed to be encroaching on Chris's lane... So anyway, we were at lunch on the last Friday in September.  The last Friday of every month was Hamburger Friday, and it was the only day I ever bought lunch.  The school cafeteria serves surprisingly good crinkle fries.  Friday lunches have a uniquely crazy energy.  Without fail, the boys start throwing stuff, and I swear, one of these days it’s going to erupt into a legitimate food fight like on TV.   Honestly, I wouldn’t hate that.   Our cafeteria has an old-school jukebox left over from when my dad was in middle school.  That day the band kids played “Hollaback Girl” on repeat until I almost didn’t hear it, but still, the rhythm was kind of pounding in my tummy, and I kept noticing my knee jiggling to the beat. Ellen was full on dancing in her chair li...

My idea of roughing it is when it takes three rings to get room service on the phone. -- Joan Rivers The night before I was set to fly to Phoenix to reunite with my parents post-quarantine , I got a call from my brother telling me our Mom had cancer. As I face down the loss of my Mom who has been my rock, I can’t help but assess all of my relationships. I wish I could stop, but, I can’t. I’m incapable of remembering whether I washed my hair as I’m still standing in the shower, yet, I have an iron clad memory for those who have been reassuringly, extraordinarily, and/or unexpectedly kind and caring. I’m also keenly aware of those who are absent as I prepare for this loss. Taking relationship inventory under duress is my jam. My son, Leo, is 14 years old. I don’t look for emotional support from my teenager. That is too heavy a burden for someone who is still coming into his own. Because we are a family through adoption, (Leo came into our lives when he was two months old), I am sure he i...