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Waking up to a mild thunder and downpour. It's cold in this guest room but I'm cozy warm under the sheets.
Mom makes me Scrambled Egg, Grits, Honey Biscuits, Orange Juice.
We were supposed to attend church this morning but I guess we woke up too late. Instead, mom and I drive into quaint downtown Bartow. All the stores are closed except for a few bail bond offices. This is the kind of town that closes down on Sundays. Everyone's at home relaxing and recognizing the Sabbath. Mom shows me a beautiful park by a lake called Mary Holland Park. Analyzing the wildlife and interesting plants – colonies of lizards scurry under the dried up palm leaves – big birds with long beaks making strange croaking noises – tiny stumps resembling a community of lovers – The Spanish moss looks like bits of old people hair draped over the trees.
Almonds, Cashews, and Craisins. Fiberful Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bar. Apple.
We scoop up Myra from the house and drive to another park about 30 miles out with plans to go fishing. On the pier over the lake – the herons and other birds alike crowd on the mini islands nearby – the armored catfish splash consistently on the surface of the water – every now and then it's easy to mistake a log for an alligator. We cast our lines and wait patiently for the fish to bite. I smoke a Black & Mild to pass the time. After two hours, no luck. Dusk comes and the park officers drive by to inform us the park is closing.
Back at the house. Mom prepares dinner for us: Tilapia, Homemade Mac n Cheese, and a hefty Salad. Afterwards, the three of us take a night walk in the neighborhood to admire the Christmas decorations.
My mom and Myra head off to bed quite early as Myra has to work in the morning and mom is driving her to Tampa, and then of course driving me to the airport in the afternoon. I listen to them laugh with each other behind the bedroom door. After the conversation with my mom the night before I am convinced she is happy, even as unconventional as this relationship may seem to our Christian upbringing. She never would've thought in a million years she'd be in a relationship with a woman but I know it's where she feels God wants her to be. It's a beautiful story and I'm proud of her.
...
I resign on the lanai in the back. It's slightly chilly out tonight but I stay warm with a cup of Black Tea and those fancy powdered donuts, Pfeffernusse Cookies. I sit for a while looking at the plethora of aloe vera plants, wall decorations of stained glass butterflies and dragonflies, painted metal lizards, lighthouses, and little pictures written with inspirational words. My mother, always surrounding herself with pretty things, cute things that make you feel warm inside. I meditate deeply into the unbreakable bond I have with her. I'm grateful I had a mother that I could respect and actually learn wisdom from. As much as I'm her son we are also best friends now.
Sleep at 2 a.m.
[i] All images by me.
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