Memphis, TN
I’m sitting Indian style on the floor of Baby Hattie’s nursery. I am at my brother Brad’s house in Memphis. I sued to live here. I’m going from Lefever to Brad’s. Memories in all these places. I arrived at 4:30 after leaving Little Rock after my lunch interview with a former employer. What an interesting guy with a lot of business stories and good advice. I arrived and as usual, my brother and I picked up like we last saw each other yesterday. I had to go upstairs and do a phone interview for my writing job. After that I went out in the yard to help him get ready for Baby Hope’s 2nd birthday party.
Now this yard is not your normal backyard. As you open the French doors you pass the table and chairs and walk into the pool. The pool is secluded form the neighbors by a brick retaining wall, trees and flowers. To the left is the gazebo. In the gazebo is the hot tub. It’s rough here. Tyler came out from the gazebo a few minutes after I was out there. He is a golden retriever who is up there in age. He lost his brother, Miller, a couple of years ago. They were hilarious together. Tyler is the smart one and leader. Miller would follow T around. Miller was content with being petted. He would sit there for hours. T has to put his hands on you. He barks to you. I have seen him age. His hearing is gone and his bark no sounds different, much more horse. But he is still T and I hugged him and petted him. I have known him forever and it is hard to see age take effect.
Brad and I hit the yard and did some cleanup for Saturday’s party. We were winding down when the girls got home. Season, Brad’s wife, came outside holding the most precious baby in her hands. Hattie met me with eyes open and black hair waving. She is a spitting image of Brad and it’s a bit weird when he holds her. I gave Season a big hug and then had to turn my attention to Hattie. I had not seen her before, only in pictures. I kissed her, put my finger in her hand, and just stared and smiled. Babies give me a sense of wonder. We all went inside and Brad got Hope up. She just turned 2 and she was napping in her car seat. It took her a while to get around. At first she just stared at me and didn’t know what to think. Finally she cleared the cobwebs. She has grown so much since the last time I saw here which was maybe 6 months ago. She has the most beautiful laugh which is intoxicating. Her smile lights up the room and she has an incredible sense of humor for a 2 year old. She and I played hide and seek and she showed me toys. I don’t have kids, but when she spouted out, “Uncle Drew,” or sometimes, “UhnDew,” it made my heart melt. I was sad to leave Little Rock after 2 weeks, but once I saw Hope and Hattie, all of that went away. I knew I was supposed to be here with my girls.
We played for a while and then it was time for dinner. I like to eat and Season knows it. She had prepared a pork roast with sauerkraut, a salad, and some cooked carrots. Tasty. I wolfed it down and it was time for Hope’s bath. Two kids makes things move very fast. There is always something happening. I still marvel at Season and what a great mother she is. You can just tell that she has it. It’s not from her words or actions, it’s from the girls and the way the look at her, talk to her, and come to her. It is awesome.
So now I’m in Memphis with my family. I can’t wait to spend more time with the girls. I have said this to my friends before. Our country is great because of its size. At the same time the size of our country makes it hard for families to see a lot of each other. I want to be more of a part of my nieces’ life. I want them to know me as they grow. I want to know them. I am not sure the best way to do that. But it’s tough with all of the space. Technology is great, but you cannot replace a hug and kiss with a phone call or email. I am not sure how that will work out. Anyhow, it’s great to be here.
Bed time.