I have always been a momma’s boy. I love my dad, but it ’s always my mom that I call when I need advice or to just talk. When I lived in Orlando, I had a 45-minute commute to work every day, and I would talk to my mom the entire way. However, ever since we moved to Tallahassee, I call her only once or twice a week because Julie and I carpool, so I talk to my wife during the car ride instead.
On Saturday, my mom sent me a tweet (a Twitter message) telling me that… well, I’ll get to that in a little bit, but the message compelled me to call her. Mom was having a bad day…
It started when my aunt called her at 6:15am, just because “she wanted to be the first person to talk to her.” At 6:15am on a Saturday! Yes, Mom had to work that day, but she still had a few good hours to sleep. And of course, she couldn’t go back to sleep.
Then, my parents were apparently planning on going out to dinner, but my dad came home from work and wasn’t feeling very well. So instead of going out for dinner, my mom cooked. After dinner, my dad went outside to feed their dog, Sassy. He came right back in the house and told my mom that Sassy had died. She was an old dog, but when I visited a few weeks ago, she seemed to be in good health, and as loveable as ever.
Now they had to bury Sassy in their pasture. This isn’t really anything new… it’s just what you do when you live in the country. My parents have built up a regular petcemetery in their backyard. But since my dad was feeling sick, my mom had to dig the hole. They lowered Sassy in, and my mom covered her up. Then she went inside and sent me a message letting me know that Sassy had died.
I got the message and called right away. Mom told me all about her bad day. We chatted for a few minutes, and I told her that I was getting a ridiculous amount back on our taxes, and she asked what I was going to buy her for her birthday. She’s always wanted a Bull Mastiff and since she lost her dog… wait, what? Her birthday? Oh crap.
Yep… it was her birthday! And I had forgotten to call her!! So on her birthday, my aunt woke her up early, my dad got sick, she had to cook her own dinner, her dog died, and her only son didn’t call! It’s almost funny to think about. Seriously… just think about it.
Now before you tell me what a horrible son I am… I know that her birthday is February 7th. The problem is, I don’t keep track of what the date is. I knew when I woke up that it was Saturday, but if you had asked me what the date was, I would have no clue. And since my mom isn’t on Facebook, I didn’t get a reminder. So really, when it comes down to it… it’s her fault for not being more active in the social media scene. (Although, she DOES have a twitter account… but she only follows me and Julie.)
Mom – since I know you’re reading this – I’m sorry that you’re birthday sucked, but happy birthday anyway. Maybe you can have a re-do this weekend. And be looking for your Bull Mastiff in the mail.
