The Midlife

Let’s get into it:

1. I was not meant for #CasinoLife. During my mom’s visit last weekend, I took her to the area casino, because she likes the sounds of ring-ring-ding-dong and the glory of lots of lights before Christmas. Who am I to deny her of this pleasure? I won’t say I went kicking and screaming, but I wasn’t exactly thrilled to go because 1. Mama (meaning, Me!) works hard for the money (Cue the Donna Summer hit.) and, therefore, parting with my hard-earned cash in such a manner pains me. However, 2. I can see the appeal. There is a certain fun to be had in the world of lost paychecks, not to make light of anyone battling a gambling problem. In the time of Covid, there were plenty of hand wipe stations and masks. I found myself marveling at the amount of people willing to take chances in the hope for greater things. My mom managed to double her money in a modest sense, while I lost. Later, I had to explain to my 7 year old what a casino was, and the best I could muster was an arcade for adults. To that, I received a solid head nod. While I lost, we were winners as far as compliments go. A woman with what I’m hoping is decent vision, called me and my mother “cuties,” as we took a slot machine break for a drink and appetizers.
2. Time is a senseless thief. My mom’s old now; she’s about to turn 82. And it was hard for me to see that she’s slowed way, way down. (Even though, she did have some pep in her step at the casino.) It had me thinking a great deal about how she once held my hand as I tried to take my steps, and here I was ushering her around my neighborhood, ever so slowly, while we embarked on a little trick-or-treating with my family. It was nice to see more kids out there hustling for Kit Kats. My mom and I ended up retiring for the night early; I didn’t want to push her too hard. It’s very true what someone told me when my daughter was first born. The days are long, and the years are short.
3. Mama Knows Best. Even if I don’t always care to admit it, much of what my mom has told me over the years has been 100% correct. When people I have let into my life were ill-intentioned, my mom’s Spidey sense was spot on. If I was not taking care of myself, and my mom pointed that out, while it hurt at the time, she was right. I can imagine it was hard for her to see me walk through a fire I could have prevented had I listened to her counsel. But I guess that is what is so heart-breaking about a mother’s love: knowing when to guide and when to be silent. Life’s bumps and bruises are their own teachers.
4. Don’t rush me, retailers! No sooner does the Halloween candy get marked down that Christmas trees and ornaments start assaulting my senses at the store. Hello, retailers?! What about Thanksgiving and, technically, it’s still Fall. Let me enjoy my pumpkin love without the pressure to think about peppermint anything. I know retailers want you to shop early because gifts are going to take a long time to get to loved ones, but sheesh. I’m not ready for Mariah Carey’s voice to accost me at every turn until December 26. And I love me some Mariah.
5. Sometimes we all need a day of nothing before going back to a bunch of somethings. A few days ago, I received my Covid-19 booster shot and my flu shot because sometimes I roll the dice when it comes to stupidity. I immediately felt super tired and pretty much sequestered to my room and slept. And slept. I went to work the next day and ended up leaving early because I have lost that ability to call out sick. It’s not that I don’t do it in rare instances when I really need to do so. It’s just that today, calling out sick requires several phone calls and readjustments and at least one car ride. Gone are the days when I could hang up the phone, roll over, and then watch some good trash TV. We need – and especially mothers need – guilt-free do-nothing days. Like “lay in bed and do absolutely nothing at all” days to recharge. Today, I was back at it … doing more than I really needed to do because daylight savings day feels like it’s 500 hours long and will no doubt mess up my sleeping schedule.

So, dear reader, what is the latest? I would love to hear your thoughts on the holiday season, daylight savings, or whatever else is occupying space in your noggin. Comment here or at themidlife2021@gmail.com. Until next time, keep a smile on your face and love in your heart.