“Okay, Dad. I’m gonna go upstairs and check on her. Maybe she’d like some tea.”
“Don’t wake her, hon, if she is asleep. She needs her rest.”
“I won’t.”
***
It didn’t take a full twenty-four hours for mom to get sick, but when it came, it came with a vengeance. It took so much out of her, she slept on and off for two days. Then she had four good days before the next treatment. We went through this routine for eight weeks, and during those eight weeks, I saw my mother get weaker and weaker, but her spirit never faltered.
When the treatments were done, she went through a round of radiation. I would come home from school on treatment days and find her upstairs in her bed, moaning in pain. She couldn’t even wear a shirt or bra. Her entire upper torso was nothing but a raw blister. I would look at her and just cry.
One day, I asked her how she deals with so much pain. The amazing woman she is turned to me and said, “Honey, God never gives us more than we can handle. I’ve got this, and He’s got me.”
Shortly after, all the treatments were done, her chest was healed, and the doctors were sure they had gotten everything. Things are looking up. Thanksgiving was a bust, but Christmas is two days from now. Mom has been the happiest I have seen her in months, and it is so good to see. She has finally beaten this for good, and I couldn’t be more thankful. We are going to have the best Christmas ever.
Mom has had so much energy, making Christmas cookies out the wazoo. I am not sure who she is baking for, but she did ask me to invite Dan and Jake over for Christmas dinner. I wasn’t sure that would be appropriate, so I asked if Jake’s girlfriend could come too. Dan’s parents are divorced, and he lives with his dad. His mom was a drug addict and lost custody of him when he was eight. Unfortunately, his dad doesn’t do much for Christmas, so Mom invited him too. A few minutes ago, I overheard her on the phone talking to Jake’s parents, and she invited them too.
“Mom, I think you need to take it easy. You don’t want to overdo it.”
“Now, Jayden, I feel fine. I have not felt this good in months, and I want to rejoice in my good fortune.”
I smile at her. “Mom, you are the most amazing woman I know. I hope when I am older, I have one ounce of your strength.”
“Oh, darling.” She pulls me into a hug. “You already do.”
“I love you, Mom.” I make a point to tell her how much I love her every day. We never know how long we have with someone, and I have to make every single day count.
“I love you too, sweetheart,” she says and then releases me, wipes a tear from her eyes, and turns back to making her cookies.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. You know how I get around the holidays. I’m just a sentimental fool, that’s all.”
I laugh. “Yes, you are.” I pull an apron out of the drawer and say, “Okay, what can I do to help?”
School is out for the holiday, and it’s been nice staying home with Mom and helping her get ready for our guests. We spend the next hour baking and have a lot of fun. By the time Dad comes home from work, we have flour everywhere, chocolate drips all over the counter, and nothing ready for dinner.
“Why don’t I run out and pick up something for dinner? I’d hate to spoil all your fun,” Dad says with a wink. “What can I get my girls?”
At the same time, Mom and I say, “Red Barn Chicken.”
Dad laughs. It’s our favorite takeout and the best fried chicken ever, even better than Kentucky Fried Chicken. “I’ll be right back.”
I walk to the pantry and open the doors. No honey. “Dad!” I holler at him. “Don’t forget the honey!”
“Yes ma’am,” he replies. I can’t eat fried chicken without honey. It’s sacrilegious.
About forty minutes later, Dad comes home with a bucket of chicken, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. We sit at the table and have one of the best meals ever.
***
Christmas is finally here! We are going to have the best day. Mom has overdone it. She has been on her feet so much in the kitchen, I have noticed she has a little limp. She needs to rest. I have tried to help as much as I can, but there are times she has to do it herself and shoos me out of the kitchen.
Everything is ready. Mom just needs to boil the pasta. I’ve set the table and made place cards. I wanted to make sure I am seated between Jake and Dan. The last thing I need is to be stuck next to Susie through dinner.Be nice, Jayden, my subconscious reminds me. I choose to ignore it. Mom and Dad are at the heads of the table as the hosts. I can’t remember the last time we used all the leaves in the table. It’s huge.
The doorbell rings, and I run to answer it. I open the door, and a big smile comes across my face. It’s Jake and his mom and dad.
“Come on in!” I say.
