WHOSE JOB IS IT?
You always did the dishes, when I was growing up
so now that I am grown up
I do the dishes.
It’s a long time to stand if you do it right
(like you did)
wipe dishes spotless before they’re machine-scrubbed
clean the sink, the counter
mop the floor.
Why don’t you make the kids do that?
my husband asks.
I shrug. Plunge my hands into hot water.
Today is your birthday, Mom.
And I am doing the dishes.
Happy Birthday to your Mom Megan — I can feel the love in every word your wrote — and in your doing the dishes. How beautiful.
Happy Birthday, Mary Nell – though I wonder if maybe you don’t celebrate a little differently now. Just want to tell you that you did a magnificent job with your daughter Megan. She is remarkable – kind and smart and funny. I think you would really be proud.
Nothing like someone doing the dishes for us.
It’s all in that wonderful shrug. What a great birthday honor.
That made me cry, Megan. I think she would be really touched.
It is all those little things… This is so touching Megan.