In keeping with the spirit of the moment
We stand side by side at the stove in perfect mirror symmetry. My mother the lefty and me the righty. I have been in the hospital for surgery. Mom and Dad came to visit and to hold the fort together. On my first day home I can find absolutely nothing in my own kitchen. How could this be? My mother, my wonderful loving Mom, has been working in my kitchen in my absence, cooking and cleaning, and putting everything away where it belongs. ... not necessarily where she found it ... rather, where it belongs. I would like to scream but it would hurt too much by pulling on my stitches or staples or whatever the doctor used to close up my gut.
"Mom, do you remember when I was little and I did not want to do what you told me to do? You said to me that this was your house and I had to do things your way. You also said that when I grew up and had a home of my own I could do things my way. Don't you believe that the moment has finally and certainly arrived?! I have a husband and two children and my own house with a kitchen. I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING HERE AND THIS IS MY KITCHEN!"
"Anna, I put things where they belong. Just because you set up your kitchen incorrectly does not mean it has to stay wrong."
"Mom, I am raising my kids a certain way. I am very curious as to what they will do with this up-bringing when they go out into the world on their own. Weren't you curious as to what Bailah and I would do once we entered the world on our own?"
