We got to moms a bit early and were able to relax a bit. Cheryl and Edna were corralling the kids as all four of them were querulously fighting over a video game. Finally they were sent out to run off their frustrations. Our chance to kick back and watch pre-season baseball was short lived. I really should have seen this coming. Mom was using a family dinner to grill Gerry and I about our baby making attempts. She didn’t hesitate to remind me, that my clock was ticking and that she wouldn’t be around forever so Gerry and I better get cracking. Mom went out to the kitchen, Dad and the guys rolled their eyes. I shot Gerry a look that said “HELP, ALREADY.” I was in no mood to go soothe moms ruffled feathers just yet. I just got my jacket on and went to supervise the kids in the yard with Cheryl and Edna. The look on my face said it all. “Oh-oh looks like someone got the ‘I want grand-kids tirade.’ this from Cheryl.” Edna jumped in. “Laura, you’re lucky she waited this long. Bob and I got ambushed on the way home from the airport after the honeymoon.” “Ha, lucky stiff, mom called me and Patrick in Vegas to make sure we weren’t spending all our time in the casino.” Dad ripped the phone out of her hand , apologized and hung up. I didn’t talk to mom for two weeks after we got home. I vaguely remembered that as mom called and asked if I knew whether Cheryl was pregnant or not. I naturally told her to back off. “Hang in there kiddo, she’ll give up eventually.” Cher had her arm around me. “When is that gonna happen?” They both chimed in. “In the delivery room.” We were summoned to help get the meal on the table. The evening progressed peacefully. Mom was on her best behaviour as Gerry revealed on our way home that she was told to stand down. “Who?” “Your dad.” “What a saint.” I was quiet the rest of the way home. I was anticipating an early night but what I found in front of our apartment door changed all that.
Viv Drewa - The Owl Lady 