My mom arrived in the Armpit after we'd been there one week. Which meant I didn't get out of taking naps anymore.
It also meant I had to eat spinach whenever my grandmother chose to cook it.
And shopping. We went shopping at Valley View Mall. Clothes shopping.
This was fun for Grandmother and Mom. They chatted, they got drinks, they pulled ridiculous looking clothes off racks and held them up to my chest. They chatted, they got drinks, they pulled hideous pink monstrosities off racks and bought them.
"Mom!" I cry. "Jeans and t-shirts. Jeans and t-shirts. Please....jeans and t-shirts!"
She shakes her head. "You will dress nicely, Kara Denise. Jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate school attire."
I groan. I moan. I beg and plead. It does no good.
So, here I am....in the Armpit, taking naps, eating spinach, and wearing pink slacks. I pray for a respite. I beg the Lord for a bright, shining moment where something will go my way.
After church, we head over to my great-grandmother's. She has a table set with various types of toasted bread. We run in and hug her. Before I tell you what she says to us, I simply must tell you that it is 9:30 a.m.
Great-grandmother, my namesake, says, "Did you have your ice cream?"
I smile. "Not yet, G.G."
"Go get your ice cream."
I dash off for the drug store, not worried at all that my mother will call me back and dispute G.G.
I laugh in glee and wicked excitement. God has helped me thwart my mother. Oh, happy day! Praying really does work!