texts from mom

Mom has spent the last two weeks in California moving everything (and everyone) out of the house my Grandma has lived for the past twenty years. She fought to get rid of decades of things Grandma will never use and had to get out the countless meth-addicts Grandma has been housing and enabling. This is a snapshot of some of the texts I received while she was gone. ⁣

June 17: This is so hard.⁣
June 18: I’m going to kill her.⁣
June 20: Omg I want to go home.⁣
June 21: It’s Father’s Day. Don’t forget to call your dad.
June 22: Things are going a little better today.⁣
June 23: I love you.⁣
June 24: Do you miss me yet?⁣
June 25: I want to go home.⁣
June 26: I found the videotape of mine and your Dad’s wedding, but it’s for VCR. Do you want it?⁣
June 27: Two more fucking days. When I get there just lock me in the closet in total silence and darkness for like three days.⁣
June 28: I swear to God I’m about to take an Uber to the airport and fuck this shit.⁣
June 29: Have a drink, light up a joint, do something because I’m fucking done. I did it. Everything is out of the house and Grandma is ready to go. ⁣

Yesterday I picked Mom up from the airport and she was so exhausted. I could see it on her face. On the drive home she looked out the window and then said, “Where are the sparkle bugs?” ⁣

I love that she calls the fireflies sparkle bugs. I love that she calls North Carolina home. I love that she didn’t give up on my Grandma even though Grandma fought her every step of the way. I love that even though her and Dad are divorced she still doesn’t want me to forget about him on Father’s Day. I love how regardless of what she is up against she always finds a way to make it through. I love that she loves me. I love that she is clean. I love that she’s here.⁣

Next step: Getting Grandma here since she is afraid to fly.