Girding Myself

This afternoon will be one of those times,

as a parent,

that I just DREAD.

One of those times that,

even as I reassure myself 

that these very roadblocks are the things 

that make my child resilient and able to deal with life,

I still go into it kicking and screaming.

Trey was invited to sleep over at his cousin Charlie's house.

He has been BESIDE HIMSELF since I told him.

For the last three days, he has been planning, anticipating, yearning.

"Is it today? How many more sleeps?" is what I have been greeted with

for the last few days.

This morning, I was awakened to a sound much like a blow dryer.

When I went downstairs to investigate, 

it was Trey doing his Friday chore:

vacuuming the kitchen and front hall,

just so he would have it already done and he could get to Charlie's house faster.

It's like Christmas Eve to him.

But guess what, kid? 

On this Christmas Eve, Santa ain't comin'.

Charlie's mom Cristina called me a few minutes ago.

Charlie was up during the night, throwing up.

Apparently he was just as upset as Trey will be,

because in between heaves he was reportedly asking

if Trey would still be able to come.

Bless his little heart. He is such a sweetie.

So, the sleepover will be rescheduled. 

These things happen but still, 

I literally dread seeing Trey's little face crumple

after school today

when I tell him he can't go to Charlie's tonight.

Sometimes being a kid is just plain hard.

Being a mommy who loves that kid is hard too.