The BEST Morning

(Max at the zoo, 2003)

I took Max to his orthodontist appointment early this morning. He had to get a couple of bands on his molars, in anticipation of braces next week.

It was a drizzly morning. We kept the radio off and he read his book all the way to the appointment. We stopped at a light and a train went behind us, blowing its lonesome whistle.

The lonesome whistle transported me back to Indiana. Our big brick home sat beside a railroad track. I was a little apprehensive about buying a home by the railroad, as I thought it would be too loud, too intrusive, too whatever.

Boy, was I wrong. The boys loved the train. We loved hearing its whistle. They would rush outside to wave at the conductors. Sometimes, the train would stop on the track and totally shout down its engines. Later I found out that is when the train staff would go to the local diner for coffee. :)

Oftentimes the train carried coils of steel from "Daddy's steel mill".

Before we made it to the orthodonist I was sobbing quietly. My little passenger had no idea as he was lost in his book. Being with him today was like being with him when he was a baby. No worries, just quiet and books and soft breathing. I have enjoyed his companionship for a long time now. What an amazing blessing to be a mother.