Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Thursday, August 2, 2012

Naptime

Okay. Sometimes, it worked.

Naptime.
Next to bedtime, the highlight of a mother's day.
Or at least in my mother's day.
Mom was a great believer in the taking of naps.
It didn't matter if her children – ie. me -- weren't tired.
It they, meaning me, were willing and able to perform amazing feats of strength and energy. Provide positive proof that a nap definitely wasn't needed.
Someone needed a nap.
She would march me to my room.
Pull the blinds.
And point to the bed.
Sigh.
Reluctantly, I would lie down.
Mom would lie down beside me.
To make sure I stayed.
It worked.
I did stay.
Until she went to sleep.
See? One of us definitely needed a nap.
But I digress . . .
And that's when the skills I had learned over time at great personal cost came into play.
Let me describe . . .
First, I would slide out from under Mom's arm.
You have to know that this was only the beginning.
And, oddly enough, the easiest part.
Because once free of that arm, things got more complicated.
Mom was attuned to the slightest shift in the mattress.
I had to make sure that I didn't get careless and move too quickly.
Slowly, I would slide toward the edge of the bed.
An inch.
Another.
And carefully.
With long pauses between.
That fourteen inches of mattress looked mighty big at times.
And I didn't get a second chance if I got caught.
Countless times, I would have nearly reached my goal and Mom's eyes would snap open. “Diane! Get back here!”
Rats.
But there were glorious days when I was really sneaky, and would make it clear out to the living room before she noticed.
She would appear in the doorway, bleary-eyed and unsteady.
“Diane! What are you doing?”
It was a small victory.
But a victory nonetheless.

P.S. You know you're truly an adult when you no longer take naps.
But wish you did.

I have a special request for all of my wonderful Blog Friends:
Would any of you be interested in reading my newest Christmas story, Kris Kringle's Magic?
I need some readers willing to give it the once-over and report their feelings/impressions in a short sentence or two.
Interested?
Leave your email in the comment box.
Thank you so much!!!
I write for you!

15 comments:

  1. I would definitely be willing to read your new book! How exciting to get the chance! amywthornton@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sending it now . . .

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sure! I would love to read your new book, as well. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oops. I think you have my e-mail...but just in case. crapo(at)shaw(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  5. Over here....over here.....me...pick me....

    ReplyDelete
  6. I did the same, only it was a nap with my father. I can still remember the slow creep toward the edge of the bed. :-)

    I would love to read your book. :-)

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be thrilled to have you read it!!! Sending . . .

      Delete
  7. When I was pregnant with the second I was sick for the entire time but still had a toddler to take care of. I counted the hours until lunch ended and it was nap time. I tied the toddler's romper strap to my arm and we both slept. When she slid off the bed she tugged my arm and woke me up.

    Would love to read the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad my Mom didn't figure that out!!! I'm so excited you want to read my book! Sending it out now!

      Delete
  8. Hi Diane
    I would love to read your new book, I have enjoyed reading your books so far you know how to reach me.

    Naps are still a necessity in my house, more for me than my kids:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I still wish my daughter took a nap occasionally... oh well, at least she is old enough that I can take a nap now... lol

    ReplyDelete

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