Hiding under a bunny blanket, on a mission to experience a few extra minutes with Mom.
We were inching out of the early eighties, as a new family of five. I went from being the baby to having a baby sister. Temporarily becoming the middle child, too.
As you can imagine, my alone time with Mom significantly decreased. Something about the new baby needing more than pillow assisted cuddles from her older siblings in brief five-minute intervals.
Once everyone started settling into a new bedtime routine, I began executing little outings to the living room. Hoping for extra time with Mom. Always wearing a bunny blanket on my head, thinking it made me invisible.
Both Mom and Dad played along. At first, letting me sit quietly by the arm of the chair. Then on top of Mom’s feet and the plush carpet. And during my boldest moments, sitting so close to her on the couch, my legs would get caught in her nightgown when trying to leave.
Of course, my stealthy movements were completely imagined. Because one of my parents helped me onto the couch. Mom certainly had to free my wiggling legs from entangled fabric. And if she was enjoying a sweet treat, I trust our eyes met and smiles widened before a bite or two reached my mouth.
My dad captured the above photo. A time capsule for one of my earliest memories. Sitting on the couch, Mom beside me, watching the television’s glow light up the room.
I sometimes imagine their laughter as I tiptoed back down the hallway. Taking turns tucking me back into bed. Wondering if another mini gathering would happen the following night.
Soon enough, days, weeks, then months went by between each nighttime living room visit. Surely, I realized there was always enough Mom time, love, and attention to go around for everyone. One of the many wonders of our mom. Even to this day.
As always, thank you for being here.
It was a special time for us!!