Me-Me and I are up at the same time this morning. She heads downstairs for breakfast while I go outside to get my daily workout in.
In the kitchen, the cause of Me-Me’s queasiness over the last few days becomes evident. She’s expecting another baby.
I’m outside finishing up another climbing challenge when Me-Me walks over.
Melisa: I have some good news.
Kai: I’m always up for some good news. What’s up?
Melisa: We’re having another baby.
Kai: Are you serious, babe? *pulls Me-Me into a hug* That’s terrific news.
As I say it, I realize that that’s a serious understatement. This is precisely the type of news this family could use now.
Meanwhile, inside – Peri wakes up and sits on the side of the bed, trying to pull herself together. Last night was rough. She barely got any sleep, and when she did manage to close her eyes and drift off – her dreams were filled with Waddell. She could feel his energy all around her. But now, she wakes up in a room that’s entirely devoid of his presence. Grief weakens her body, making it hard for her to stand. She doesn’t know where she’ll find the strength to go on with the rest of her day.
After working on minor repairs around the farm, I enter the kitchen and pass by ma without seeing her. Ma has always been so significant in my life that not being aware of her energy immediately upon entering a room is strange and foreign to me. A small sigh lets me know that she’s there.
Kai: *surprised* Ma! Are you okay? Were you able to sleep at all?
Prosperity: A little
The deep circles around her eyes confirm her words. I step over and hug her tight, hoping that I can take some of her pain away by some miracle.
Peri appreciates Kai’s attention. It helps, but just a little. After Kai goes upstairs to check on Wade, Peri pulls out her phone and calls up her friends Wild and Kimmie – who were responsible for designing her house in Windenburg. She could use their help again with the project idea she came up with last night.
She fills them in on what happened with Waddell, and they insist on accompanying her today as she visits him at his final resting place.
Prosperity: You don’t have to do that. I know it’s a long way for you both to travel.
Kimmie: *on the phone* Distance is a non-factor for supporting a friend. And we can discuss this project with you – in person.
Prosperity: Wild, are you okay with this?
Wildflower: *on the phone* Of course. I’m booking a flight now. We’ll see you in a few hours.
Prosperity: You two are my only true friends. See you soon. I love you!
Kimmie and Wildflower: *together* Love you, too!
Dub is already awake when I enter his bedroom. So the first thing I do is make sure he spends some time sitting on the potty. I’m sure he’s very close to being potty trained by now.
After he’s finished, I change him out of his pajamas.
Kai: Somebody downstairs will be happy to see you, Dub.
Kai is right. Seeing Wade’s happy little face warms Peri’s heart.
Prosperity: There’s my sweet boy!
With so much death surrounding her, Wade gives Peri a big reason to be glad to be alive. She’s a grandmother now. Her grandchild needs her to be okay.
She picks Wade up and holds him in her arms.
From experience, Peri knows what a toddler wants first thing in the morning – food! So she carries Wade to his high chair and gives him a bowl of applesauce.
Prosperity: Look how big you are now! You’ll be half-grown before we know it.
Ma and Dub seem to be having a full-blown conversation when I come back in from outside.
Wade: We play, ganny?
Prosperity: I wish we could. I wish I could spend the whole day with you, but granny has something a bit unpleasant to do today.
Kai: What’s up, ma? Anything I can help with?
Prosperity: I’m going to Mr. Washington’s final resting place today.
Kai: What? We should be there with you. Isn’t he having a funeral?
Prosperity: No, he didn’t want all of that. And a mausoleum is not a place for a baby. So you stay here and finish up your work. I’ll be fine. Kimmie and Wild will be with me.
Ma is right. Dub probably shouldn’t be in a place like that. He’s too young and sensitive. But I’m relieved to hear that she won’t be going alone.
Ma gets up from the table to get ready to leave as I take Dub out of his high chair.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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