Voices screeched across my phone, which meant Maga had the TV on. Politics politics politics. The new Supreme Court Justice nomination.
“Do you have your TV on?” Maga asked. “This is all very interesting.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Why not?”
“I have the internet on.”
“Oh. Is it quieter?”
In one way, yes. In another way, no.
“Do you think he’ll be a good candidate?” she said.
“No. He’s against abortion and Planned Parenthood and civil rights.”
“Oh, the horrors.”
“You’re telling me.”
Because I was fighting a losing battle against the TV for her attention, I upped the ante. “How do you feel about abortion?”
“I have nothing against it. If they can’t afford another baby or if the health of the mother is a problem. But not if it’s a foolish decision.”
“Agreed. But mainly I just don’t think a man should get to say what happens to my uterus.”
“Well, yes. That’s true. He’s wrong for that job. How do you like Trump so far?”
“He’s horrible.”
“I agree. He seems to be doing a lot of things that irritate people.”
“He’s turned me into a political protester.”
“What?”
“I took part in a march for women.”
“Where?”
“On the Boston Common. Did you read about all of those marches across the US and world? They happened on the Saturday after he was inaugurated.”
“Yes, I guess I did. What else have you been up to?”
“Settling into my place. It takes time to get used to it all.”
“That’s very true.”
“How are you settling into your care center?”
“As far as care places go, I guess it’s a rather nice one, but the dining room drives me crazy. All those funny old people. To me it’s all very depressing while eating. Of course, I’m a funny old person myself.”
“Never.”
“You beat me to the punch in calling tonight. I was going to call you. It’s our Tuesday. I’ll call you next week, okay?”
“Okay, that sounds wonderful.”
“We always have lots to talk to each other about and you given me some thoughts to think about.”
“Until next week then.”
She never ceases to surprise me with her memories and opinions and despite the heavy tone of our conversation, it ended with words of love. It’s more important than ever to spread love.
Abigail Mumford 