Month: January 2018

“You know,” Maga said. “I think I forgot your birthday.”

“No worries.”

“You were about 3 months early, weren’t you? And all four of you and your siblings were born in January.”

“I was. We were.” I marveled at the purpose in her voice. All these details she couldn’t remember earlier this month were at the ready.

“You were born on the 9th?”

“The 8th,” I said. “You were married on the 9th.”

“Why, you’re right. How did you know that?”

“It’s the day between my and [Sister J]’s birthdays. I never forget it.”

“Were you around when we got married?”

“Not quite. I couldn’t have been there if my mom wasn’t even there!”

Her laughter was quick and nervous. “My gosh. What am I saying? I’m a little crazy tonight.”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

“Weren’t you a premie? How early were you?” All those statements from earlier, now questions.

“Three months.”

“My word. What did you weigh?”

“Two pounds, 6 ounces.”

“And you overcame all the problems and turned into a decent sized person.”

Back to the statements and if her tone was any indication, me being an average sized person means fame and fortune are inevitable.

*fingers crossed for luck*

“So what have you been up to lately,” Maga asked.

“I watched my team win the AFC championship game this weekend.”

“Oh, yes. My caregiver and I watched the other game. What fun.” (An interesting response for a woman who held Broncos season tickets, but rarely went to a game. She stayed home while Jobo went to the stadium.) “And what time will the Super Bowl be?”

“It’ll be at nighttime to take advantage of the viewership.”

“Oh, yes. I’m sure I’ll be able to read about it in the paper. Who is playing?”

“The Philadelphia Eagles and the Patriots!”

“Who are you cheering for?”

“The Patriots, of course.”

“Oh yes, because that’s where you live now.”

“And who will you be cheering for?” I asked. It had been a long day, so yes, dear reader, I was digging a little bit for a compliment.

“The Patriots, of course,” Maga said and my ego soared, “because of my connection to Wellesley.”

Hopefully it’s just my heart that crashes and burns tonight and not my team in two weeks during Super Bowl LII.

“More snow?” Maga said. “Oh, horrors.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Tell me you haven’t had to deal with much snow…”

“We haven’t. But the mountains haven’t either. The ski resorts are crying.”

“I suppose that’s a valid reaction for Colorado, but I’m glad you haven’t had to deal with it much.”

We covered other topics, but since she was feeling foozledee, we circled back around to the weather.

“I’ll be thinking of you,” Maga said. “And I’ll look for the weather report in tomorrow’s paper.”

“I hope there won’t be anything to report!”

“Well, at least, I hope it’s not like last week. That was kind of a heavy one.”

It was, and not just because of the snow. Here’s to a week of lighter, fluffier health snow.

I called twice. No answer either time.

Maga called back twice. Left a voicemail each time.

As they say, fifth time’s the charm, and she answered with a, “Hello, Abby, dear.”

It was a short conversation given the late hour and my scratchy throat, but it was still our usual on a Tuesday night. A simple and sweet way to close down the night which had involved my trivia team’s rowdy return to the playing field (we took third after inducing a tiebreaker) and a surprise rendition of “happy birthday” sung by an entire restaurant.

I happily accepted her wishes of sweet dreams and warmer weather while wishing her exactly the same.

“Your birthday is on Monday?” Maga said.

“It is,” I said.

“You’ll be 35? 36?”

“37.”

“You’re getting up there.”

“Ha. I suppose I am.”

“It’s on Monday? A week from yesterday?”

“Yes. It’s the day before your and Jobo’s anniversary. And Sister J’s is the day after.”

“Really?” Maga trailed off. “I guess I forgot that.”

“You knew it. You just don’t remember at the moment.”

“Let me get my calendar. Any other celebrations this month?”

“Indeed. Brother G and Sister E.”

“Your mother had four children in January?!?” The incredulity in her voice was hilarious and heartbreaking. “My gosh. I didn’t realize that. Or didn’t remember that. That is remarkable.”

“She’s quite formidable.”

“She spent a lot of time pregnant during the holidays.”

“It must have been difficult. Well, except for me. She wasn’t that far along with me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was due in April.”

“You were a preemie?”

“Yup. I was the teeny one. Still am, actually.”

“You’re a good size. A little bit of alright.”

After a morning that involved way more adult-ing than I ever anticipated, I cradled this night time praise close.