The lovely lady to my left is not me. It is Lee's mother. I have no idea who Lee is because I snagged the pic off the web. I imagine myself with perfect posture, legs crossed at the ankle, and a lovely Lily Pulitzer day dress. That's my perfect next door neighbor's house in the background. The Allwarden children come to play with mine (including Lee) after dinner. My perfect husband Douglas sometimes plays catch with them. Johnny loves the new baseball mitt he got for Christmas, and of course I adore my new circle pin. At sundown, I call them all in to have baths and sometimes, if they've been very good and done well with their homework, watch Leave It to Beaver. That Eddie Haskell is some cheeky boy, although I'm secretly fond of his stilted compliments. Sometimes the kids will catch Douglas and I dancing to Lawrence Welk. And a one, and a two, and a three....
Alas, this is who I really am. I'm 51 years old, and I have a 17 year-old son who is attempting to get into college without attempting much at school. I still use my married last name although we have been divorced for seven years. It's easier to spell than my maiden name, and also fewer letters. I am tired of being someone's mother, someone's daughter, someone's boss, or someone's patient. I have decided to run away.
12:50 PM |
