Susan Senator

We mother in different ways. Yesterday, during one of Ben’s appointments, I took Nat to get a… a… a… manicure!! And an upper-body massage. I had a feeling he’d love it. I was right. I was very nervous, because what if he didn’t like it? What if he suddenly couldn’t take the pressure on his back or the touching of his hands? I was ready for anything. I was having a strong day. So I sat next to him while all the salon women fawned over him. He was the hit of the spa. He got his nails trimmed, buffed, and his hands and back and neck massaged. He was in a dream state, just like I had hoped he’d be.

Ben went to a sleepover party of seven other boys. Most were not even his close friends. Sport boys. But nice ones nevertheless. He had a great time, slept for about 5 hours. He’s home now, same as ever. I missed him, but he didn’t even realize he was gone. Came into the house and said, “I’m home, nerds!” And told us a joke where you are supposed to respond, “Hairy Pickle,” to every line. Surely you get it. And yet, this is growth.

And Max is putting the finishing touches on his and Hannah’s anime costumes, so we went off to Jo-Ann Fabrics, my teenage son and I. A bit strange, but … still, fun, because I was spending time with my darling boy.

Across the street they’re having a princess birthday party. A play castle fashioned out of boxes, a tent strewn with flowers, with a discarded pink plaid hairband inside. Tulle, ribbons, pom poms. I never had that, in childhood or as a mom. Vanessa is lucky.

But I’m luckier.