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Let it be known Co-Vid 19 can’t stop a birthday shindig- no, no, no. When your mom turns 80, you do all you can to make it a fun day.
We had a virtual party for our mom, and all the grandkids living near and far wished her a happy day.
Earl, my brother, bless his heart, went to Safeway to buy a cake with strawberries on top. We all thanked him for his ‘front line courage’ to risk his life. Bravo!
Who would have known going to a grocery store is high risk?
Mom was a bit somber. Her casino closed down during her birthday month. Damm virus.
“Oh, not good.” She said.
“Mom, you need to understand, we need to stay inside. We are in Lockdown.”
“A na? (what) Lock-in.” My sister Lynn-Lynn and I giggle.
“There is a virus, and if you get sick, you go to E.R., and it is called Lockdown, not lock-in. Of course, she has a point we are LOCKED inside our homes, are we not?
“I get sick take me to casino, not E.R. I have pain, my back, leg…Oh Lorddd, I go to casino no pain.” She turns her face away from us like we don’t know what we are talking about and how dare her kids to tell her NO when it comes to gambling on a penny slot machine.
Our mother is convinced the casino in all its glory of flashing lights, all you- can – eat prime rib dinner for $14.99 and sitting next to good ol’folks from all demographic backgrounds have healing powers.
**
The day after her celebration, my sister-in-law Sonya informs her. “Mom, you will get a stimulus check coming from the government. Tell Jackie to check your bank.”
This piques her interest and gets all giddy that Mr. President is passing out checks. Direct deposit no less!
She gets on her flip phone.
“Lynn-Lynn I get stim check. Sonya said. Pretty soon, I go to the casino.”
“Mom, stim check, what is that? ”
“Stimmmm check. You know the president gives money.”
Lynn–Lynn bats her longggg falsies not comprehending what mom is saying
as she putts around in her kitchen, baking banana bread and macadamia cookies.
“Mom, is it your Social Security?”
“NOOO. you lissen.”
“Ma, let me think.”
Hmmm.
“Is it…stimulus check?”
“Stimless?”
“Mom, I get it now. It is called Stimulus, not Stim. Save all your money so Earl will drive you to the casino.”
“Yes, ok, I see you soon.”
**
Our mom is a model of health (Praise the Lord) strength and at her age – silliness down to her arthritic knee.
During the day, she nannies Baby J and has occasional chit-chats with Pearl (Earl’s cat) when she comes down from her high tower.
Babies, grandkids, and Pearl keeps mom young and laughing all the way to the casino with cash from Mr. President.