Day 160

Sarah and Andria were getting ready to leave the hospital.  They packed everything.  As Andria was packing her things she looked over at her mother.  “Mom.  It seems like a million years ago when I was in the store that night.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.  A lot of things that were important then aren’t now.”

“And a lot of things I didn’t think were important are.”

“Yes.”

“You and dad have been great.  And I don’t know if I ever told you how much I appreciate what you have done for me.  You know, being able to work in the store I have learned things that I would never have learned in school.  Mom, you are really smart.  I don’t think I ever told you that.  And you are really very elegant.  I hope when I get to forty I look as good.”

“I’m not forty yet.”

“Mom.  You know what I mean.”

Sarah laughed, “I know.  I just wanted to make sure you knew I wasn’t that old.”  She stopped, “I don’t look that old, do I?”
“Mom.  One of the girls asked me if you had me when you were thirteen.  She says you look ten years younger than her mom.  I’ve seen her mom.  She doesn’t look bad.  But the big thing about you is that you are smart.”

“What do you mean smart?”

“Well, when I have problems and I ask you for help.  You will tell me I can do this, or that or something else.  And maybe you have five suggestions.  And I look at them and three of them can’t work for some reason you don’t know about.  But there are usually two that are good.  Then I try to pick the best.  Most of my friends either get nothing or they get told to do something they know will not work.”

“But you usually tell me a lot about what the problem is so there are a couple of ways.”