I’m officially finished. And tonight we are going to celebrate and have an evening together,” Mom says as she’s cleaning off the table after dinner. “What, did you meditate while we were doing our homework?” I’m surprised at how solid she sounds.“I’ve realized I’m not so good at meditating when things are going poorly. But I ate some more Ben and Jerry’s. And ice cream always brings clarity.” She puts her hands on her abdomen. “I’ll just have to pay for it later.” “Okaaayy.” I share a look with Sam. “TMI.”Mom’s still attempting joviality. “Let’s watch a movie tonight. There’s always something on TV. I’ll even make some popcorn!” It should sound good, but instead of butter and salt, Mom sprinkles flaxseed on the popcorn. The movie treat in our house tastes vaguely like Styrofoam topped with powdered cardboard.But Sam and I know when to humor her. And now’s a good time.Ten minutes later, we take our bowls with us and sit down in the living room — Sam and Mom on either end of the couch and me in the big brown armchair.
