Conversations with Mom
Mom and I try our best to take after-dinner walks. Partly to get some fresh air, partly to get some time away from the men in the family -- yes, girls do girly things, from going to the Ladies' together when they're 15, to having sleepovers when they're 22, and taking evening strolls even when their ages span a whole generation.
We're occasionally joined by Crescent, which is always a nice surprise. Last week, as we were taking one of those walks, Crescent decided that she was tired of walking alongside us, and that she wanted to weave herself between us instead -- over-crowding of moving legs and all. We ambled uncomfortably for a while, taking care not to stomp on Crescent's tail and paws, until Mom finally sighed: "What is wrong with this cat? Isn't she afraid we might step on her? And, come to think of it, how is it that we haven't?!"
We laughed, and then quietened. I suppose after 11 years of walking Rocky the klutz, it was just new to have this four-legged creature hang out with us, with all her senses intact and sharp. Rocky regularly got his tail stepped on and butt pricked by the cactus plant; he would sometimes not notice cats until he got too close to them, and would get a great big fright when they jumped out to hiss at him.
"I guess it was just Rocky," I said with a small laugh, and hot tears began to form.
Mom gave my hand a squeeze. "Yeah, he was a silly bunny."
Our silly bunny.
***
With Rocky, we used to walk the same route all the time, to familiarise him with the way back should he get out on his own. It worked for the most part; the few times he did slip out, he managed to find his way back safe and sound.
These days, there's no need for that same route, so Mom and I have been trying out other options.
It hasn't been the same.
***
Mom and I, we talk about everything. One time, I mentioned how, in my HR class, we talked about romantic relationships in the workplace. Some of you may remember that my mom and dad met at work, so I asked her what they did when they started dating: did they let anyone know, did they request for a change of department?
Turns out my mom did tender her resignation a couple of months into their relationship.
"They didn't like us working together. Your dad was in a more senior position than I was, so I offered to resign," Mom said.
"Really? Wasn't that a huge risk? I mean, you guys were just dating. If it didn't work out, you could have been stranded without a boyfriend and without a job!"
Mom considered that for a while, and then ruffled my hair. "You know what? I never thought about it, but yeah, I guess it was a huge risk, huh?" She laughed. "Well, it's a good thing it paid off."
It paid off.
We're occasionally joined by Crescent, which is always a nice surprise. Last week, as we were taking one of those walks, Crescent decided that she was tired of walking alongside us, and that she wanted to weave herself between us instead -- over-crowding of moving legs and all. We ambled uncomfortably for a while, taking care not to stomp on Crescent's tail and paws, until Mom finally sighed: "What is wrong with this cat? Isn't she afraid we might step on her? And, come to think of it, how is it that we haven't?!"
We laughed, and then quietened. I suppose after 11 years of walking Rocky the klutz, it was just new to have this four-legged creature hang out with us, with all her senses intact and sharp. Rocky regularly got his tail stepped on and butt pricked by the cactus plant; he would sometimes not notice cats until he got too close to them, and would get a great big fright when they jumped out to hiss at him.
"I guess it was just Rocky," I said with a small laugh, and hot tears began to form.
Mom gave my hand a squeeze. "Yeah, he was a silly bunny."
Our silly bunny.
***
With Rocky, we used to walk the same route all the time, to familiarise him with the way back should he get out on his own. It worked for the most part; the few times he did slip out, he managed to find his way back safe and sound.
These days, there's no need for that same route, so Mom and I have been trying out other options.
It hasn't been the same.
***
Mom and I, we talk about everything. One time, I mentioned how, in my HR class, we talked about romantic relationships in the workplace. Some of you may remember that my mom and dad met at work, so I asked her what they did when they started dating: did they let anyone know, did they request for a change of department?
Turns out my mom did tender her resignation a couple of months into their relationship.
"They didn't like us working together. Your dad was in a more senior position than I was, so I offered to resign," Mom said.
"Really? Wasn't that a huge risk? I mean, you guys were just dating. If it didn't work out, you could have been stranded without a boyfriend and without a job!"
Mom considered that for a while, and then ruffled my hair. "You know what? I never thought about it, but yeah, I guess it was a huge risk, huh?" She laughed. "Well, it's a good thing it paid off."
It paid off.
posted by Laughingcow at 11:08 pm
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