My Purple Hayes Daze

Today, like every day, I woke up bleary-eyed and walked directly into the kitchen.  I made breakfast for Hayes.  I set the table for Hayes.  I filled a tea cup for Hayes.  And pulled out his chair.  I prepared his lunch.  I spread toothpaste on his toothbrush.  Set his toothbrush by the sink, and his lunch bag by the door.  After picking out his clothes and laying them out, I was free to do me.

Then, like every day, Hayes sat up out of his sleep.  He rubbed his eyes, got out of bed, and walked into the kitchen.  He sat down in front of his freshly-made spread and perfectly-made tea.  Then he looked at me and said good morning.

The only thing different about today was that he decided to ask me if it was time for me to eat now.  Indeed it was.  And how did we know?  Well, because Hayes’s breakfast was on the table and his lunch was by the door.  His toothbrush was by the sink and his clothes were ready to put on.

It was a string of happenings I did not even realize had become a habit until it was pointed out.  And I stood there buttering my bagel with un-brushed teeth, an un-washed face, a disheveled mess thinking about how I had not considered myself first from the time I woke up.

Wow!  Motherhood does change a girl.  And I sure have come a long way.