The day begins in the dark as I crawl out of bed trying not to step on the dogs as I grab my towel and toothbrush making my way downstairs. Sneaking into Laurel's room, I wake her and then stumble to the outdoor shower and am baptized in the hot water as I stare at a black sky full of brilliant stars.
At this point I say the first prayer of the day. There are no words ... just feelings about protecting those I love and letting this day be a happy one for all of them ... that it be productive and useful ... I hope I do far more good than bad ... when the sun goes down and stars come out tonight I can look upon the day and along with God say, "It is good."
Climbing up the stars, Laurel is dressed and waiting in the dark. I throw on clothes, kiss the top of Sarah's sleeping head and we head to The Breakfast Club. Laurel likes cheeseburgers for breakfast and I've promised her one a week. We take our stools and she sort of sits on hers while also sitting on me at the same time.
Ryan walks over and pretends to pour coffee in her hot chocolate.
They stare at one another. Laurel smiles but doesn't say anything. Ryan laughingly calls her "Burger Head" and walks away.
Laurel's impatient about her burgers. She keeps asking when it will be done. I tell her when it's finished.
When it's done, she's handed a to-box and we leave money on the counter and leave. Everyone wishes me and "Burger Head" a good day.
The morning's second is a group prayer as words are spoken.
Back home Laurel asks me to cut her burger in half. As I do she takes the lettuce off while pouring more ketchup on.
"Why did you order lettuce if you're not going to eat it?"
Looking at me sheepishly she explains, "I didn't want them to think I was only getting onion and ketchup on it."
Understandingly I nod my head.
Now its time to drive Maddie to school. Maddie is a girly girl and is forever late as she's getting ready. I say out loud that she's going to be late and while this means nothing to her, once Sarah reinforces it Maddie is ready.
She hugs Sarah good-bye and they linger. Then Sarah hugs me and tells me to be careful. Then she and Maddie hug again. These are the morning's third set of prayers and we've moved from feeling to words to hugs in their progression.
The drive to school consist of a blaring radio blasting Hymns by Lady Gaga (if its Maddie's station) or the Greg Kihn Band (if it's mine). Few words are spoken. When we get to school, she opens the door and looks at me and says "Thank you Mike."
The forth prayer of the morning is one of Thanksgiving.
"Thank you Maddie," I say as she shuts the door so she says it again.
The drive home is always delightful on the causeway through the marsh. I am mindful of the changing of the season as the marsh grass turns from green to golden. Things are changing. As I top the Lazaratto Bridge, shrimp boats are to my right and the ocean on my left. I stare at the ocean and it makes me feel small and insignificant in the universe. It's the fifth prayer. I am humbled before the majesty of God.
Back home Cassidy is up having breakfast. She's running behind as she always is. Stuffing strudel in her mouth she wants to play. Sarah sits across from her writing birthday invitations for her upcoming party.
The morning suddenly explodes as Sarah rushes Cass and Laurel to the car. They tell me goodbye and to have a good day at work. I hug Sarah and tell her to be careful and the morning routine has come full circle. The morning's third prayer is repeated by the one who received it.
Now the house is quiet. I take my place on the beloved back deck and fire up the computer. Goddess lays under my dangling feet and Winston, the little gay dog, settles down nearby as I pray the morning's final prayers.
"Hey God! Bring them all back safe. Make my kids feel my love today. I'm scared about the future but pretty certain about today. Let's kick some ass!"
The sun breaks above the house behind ours and brilliant yellow rays battle with clouds to shine down upon me. The war of the children of light and the children of darkness has begun.
Morning prayers are over.
Work has started.
