Tuesday, November 12, 2024

mid-night, mid-life, mid-everything

Do you remember how childhood used to be real and we lived inside it?

I just got off the phone with my mom... we were chatting and having a great time, but suddenly she did some time math (it's around 3:00 am here, 1:30 pm in India) and told me to go to bed. 

She also said she would send me 100$ to buy "something nice" on my December trip with my sister and I suddenly felt about 12 years old. When I did the currency math, $100 is like 8400 rupees, and I demurred, but my mom won't let me refuse. 

Something about being hustled off to bed and the delight in my mom's voice about treating me makes me feel precious and small and cared for. And it makes me want to cry. But of course this week, everything makes me want to cry.

Pic: Sanford Woods last week. 

16 comments:

Nicole said...

Aw, that is so sweet. My parents also give me $100 when it's our anniversary to "go out for dinner" and I love it.

Nance said...

That's lovely, maya. Please let your mom mother you since she still can, and enjoy it.

StephLove said...

I think you probably have to take the money. You can't talk back to your mom.

I called mine last weekend, too. I'm not as good about doing that as I should be and I am trying to do better. But this time it wasn't something I thought I really should get around to, I felt a deep need to talk to her.

Gillian said...

Sweet

NGS said...

Childhood is too fleeting, that's for sure.

Jenny said...

This is beautiful. I don't want to be a downer, but I don't have either of my parents anymore and I definitely miss that feeling of being cared for like that. No one can replace your parents! I'm glad you have yours.

Sarah said...

my mom also gifts in $100 increments-- so sweet.

J said...

My step-mom gives me $100 to buy myself something when I go on vacation, and I love it. I don't have my mom and dad anymore, and I love that I have a good relationship with her. <3 Any idea what you will buy?

maya said...

We're twinning so much this week, Nicole!

maya said...

I will, Nance <3. (I just think I'm in a strange and morbid mood since last week.)

maya said...

No way around it, Steph :).
("A deep need..." sounds familiar. I think we're all a bit bewildered and in need of some babying...)

maya said...

Thanks!

maya said...

At one point it seemed to stretch out interminably, no?

maya said...

Jenny, this made me choke up... This is so morbid of me, but I think my sad feelings around this are definitely about how old my mom is and wondering how much longer I have (and WTH am I so far away).

I know, I know--I should enjoy THIS moment. :)

maya said...

Aw! That is so sweet! I once saw a girfriend's mom dig up change from her purse as we were going out (we were in our forties!)

maya said...

That is such a blessing to have a good relationship with a parental figure, Jules.

I have no idea what I'll get... but I'm excited for this no-holds-barred, "treat yo' self" money!

Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplio

I've even had students named after Greek philosophers before, but oh--the thrill of hearing "Aristotle!" or "Chimera!...