Heat, humidity ughhhh! Not what I am used to or like but fortunately some cooler times. Two mornings when I awoke it was wonderful!! Crisp, cool air with low humidity - I told David these were Seattle mornings!!
I have described Gloria a bit to you in a past blog. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out. I felt so welcomed, a part of the family from the beginning. One of the things I found is how passionate Cubans are, well this Cuban in particular. She is quick to smile and quick laugh. All the while with incredible enthusiasm. I also saw that 'enthusiasm' when she was not too happy with Del! But she is quick to let it go and show love.
My dear Del, what a normal nutty, very cute 12 year old. The boy simply cracks me up. I am so enjoying getting to know him. It will be so much fun watching him morph into a young man. One of David's endearing words for Del is 'knucklehead' mostly when he is acting goofy, which is the majority of the time! There is that apple again son, didn't fall far from your tree!
The only member of the family I had not met in person was 21 year old Brayler (pronounced Bryler). He is a senior at Old Dominion College in Norfolk, VA., majoring in Mech.Engineering. He and I have emailed one another, 'met' skyping and on fb. The thing that surprised me from the beginning was how easy it was to have a conversation with him. The very first email he sent answered questions I had asked. It was filled with wonderful information about him and what he was doing in his life. He has wanted to be an Astronaut since he was 9 and continues on that path. On top of that he is one very, verrrry handsome young man! David told me earlier this summer that Brayler is the 'TP'. Toilet Paper??? Those are the initials I use on my grocery list! 'No Ma, Total Package'!
Brayler and his girlfriend Julia (also at OD and same major-these are two really smart kids) came home on Saturday of my last weekend in Va. I am not sure if there is any way to describe it other than perfect. It has been a very long time since I have met someone as easy to be with as Brayler. It is as if we have known each other since he was a baby. The comfort level, on a scale of 1-10 is at least a 20.
David, Brayler, Julia, Del and I had a bit of wii competition going on Saturday night - I definitely have to practice before I see them again! It was just great having a family night but poor Gloria was stuck studying upstairs. My normal early to bed was out the window!
David's best friend Dave (nickname Shot)....
Where do I begin? Hmmm, nutcase, over the top, quick, adroit, funny. . . .so many descriptions so little space!!
David and Shot have been friends for many years. They are like an old married couple, finishing each other's sentences, laughing at each others lame jokes, pulling pranks on one another that no woman in her right mind would laugh at. You know, boys being boys. Much like my Rich and Don. Gotta love these guys.
Shot is also a teacher but at the other end of the spectrum from David. He teaches children who have special needs, not an easy task. They are elementary school age and seem to give Shot a run for his money each and every day. The one phrase that he uses frequently is 'they got me down to their level and beat me up with their experience'. Forgive me Shot if I didn't get that exactly right but think everyone gets the meaning.
David first introduced us via email this summer then by phone in August. They thoughtfully included me in their daily email shots across the bow but I was quickly underwater! What the hell were they talking about now?? Usually one sentence that they understood but not Ma. I spent most of my time sending emails to them both that had one word "Huh?" On several occasion I found I really didn't want to know the gist. Now I know to ask in advance 'do I really need or want to know what you two are talking about?' Lord have mercy, these two really are a pair to draw to.
On Thursday, while at school in the morning, David gives me a big smile and says that he and Shot have something planned for the three of us. Should I be scared? No, hell, this is my son after all, he wouldn't get me into a bad situation now, would he?? Turns out the three of us were going to play pool! I howled knowing how many years it had been since I held a stick and HOW bad I was even then!
As we drove up to the 'place', sleaze is a kind word to describe it from the outside. An old tavern on the side of the road. Crooked path, dirt parking lot, kind of reminded me of the old days! Who's I don't know but someones. Then we go in. All the guys at the bar, which was just inside the door, turn and look. As I look at their faces I am honing in on the one I think and hope is Shot. Yeppers, got it right. All of the other gentlemen, after they stopped staring at me, give me a courteous southern gentlemen type of smile and settle back on their respective bar stools and beer.
Greeting Shot was greeting an old friend. We had gotten to know one another a bit over the summer, this was just the culmination of the introduction. As David and Shot guide me to the pool room (one table, cement floor, stacked cartons) I can't help but smile. This is a special time, my son is bringing me to a friend he treasures and feels safe with. His other half , alter ego, Yin and Yang? These two really do compliment each other, so different yet so alike. We have a great time, I occasionally get a good shot and they are patient with the old broad. As we leave and Shot and I hug I can't help but feel a bit sad that these two will go on without me - I have so enjoyed the camaraderie, being one of the guys was great fun.
Look out Shot, I will be back!
No comments:
Post a Comment