“It’s hard to lose valuable things,” Maga said, “like teeth.”
“And a roof.”
“A what?”
“Never mind. I was agreeing with you. Teeth are a tough thing to lose. I’m sorry to hear about your toothache.”
“I know. It’s the pits.”
“I hope the dentist will be able to help manage the pain.”
“Me too. I hope he doesn’t have to pull it.”
“Eek. Me too!”
“Do you have any upcoming trips planned?”
“I was just in Maine this past weekend.”
“Who were you visiting?”
“[Sister J].”
*silence*
“[Sister J]’s in-laws have a house up there,” I clarified.
“Oh, that’s right. I think I remember hearing that. So you were all up there together?”
“We were. Mom and Dad and [Sister J] and her family and her in-laws. Actually, do you remember talking to us on Saturday night?”
*silence* “Oh, I guess I do. When you all called me.”
“Yup!”
“How old did you say you were?” Maga asked.
“Umm, I didn’t…”
“Well how old are you?’
“38.”
“Really?
“Yes.”
“Really??”
“Yes.”
“No, you don’t meant it.”
“Okay, you’re right. I’m 27.”
*silence* “Oh, come on. I know how long you’ve been on this good earth. You have a few years accumulated.”
Just when you think you’ve pulled one over on her, her memory snaps back and she’s able to remind you you’ve got some miles under your shoes. But there are still so many miles to go to reach the standard she’s setting at 98! She sure knows how to set that bar high.
Abigail Mumford 