Breakfast at Henry's

My oldest daughter really marvels at my ability to enjoy doing things alone. It hasn’t always been that way, but I guess as I’ve matured, I’ve become very comfortable in my own skin and pretty much….I am not afraid of anything. After working in a prison for nearly 24 years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, awareness and observations. I just ain’t skeered!

I can totally enjoy a business trip, or a day of treasure hunting in dusty antique stores and even sitting in a restaurant all by myself. Driving long distances alone doesn’t bother me at all. If I have to fly alone, I probably won’t start up a conversation with my seat partner, but if they are so inclined and I am in the right frame of mind, I will take that opportunity to enjoy meeting someone new. If I am not up to chatting, I can gently make it known that I’m caught up in a fascinating book or something.

Time alone means I can think without interruption, listen to my favorite music and sing along with it at the top of my lungs if I choose, people watch and read to my heart’s content. I don’t have the word "b-o-r-e-d" in my vocabulary.

Weekend breakfast at Henry’s Café was such a routine for our family that it’s going to be difficult for me to go it alone, especially if Ab’s got other plans. The only time I went to Henry’s alone was when Papa was hospitalized, so I could update them on his condition. Otherwise, it was always Papa and I, reading the newspaper and sharing our thoughts on the world at large, Ab with the Sunday comics, eating her signature breakfast cheeseburger and Bubba flirting with the "hot" young hostess, while she filled up his coffee cup. Papa allowed Bubba to drink coffee, over my strong objections. He and Papa were pretty tight, and situations like that just reinforced their bond. After breakfast Papa’d always take us for a doughnut. Abbie could live on donuts.

So, what prompted this entry was the fact that Ab and I had planned to go to Henry’s this morning, but she ended up spending the night with Noel, across the street. I was sitting here thinking about going to Henry’s by myself, but I just couldn’t find the strength and that made me really sad.

Then all of a sudden, Abbie came through the front door and said, "Mom, I’ve already had breakfast, but I’ll still go with you to Henry’s!

That’s my girl!

I said, "How about if we go for a donut when we’re finished?"