ELLIE’S STORY #10
And What a Monday Morning it Was
Ellie and Penny make a deal that allows them both to snoop
I’ve never liked Monday mornings.
Maybe I just don’t do well with transitions — from weekend to workday, from having a partner to losing a partner, from “Coach” to “Tom.” Maybe that’s something Tova can help me understand.
I emailed Tova and heard back from her within the hour. That was a happy surprise. I wasn’t sure how she would help me, but I was grateful that Tom lined her up and that Tova’s response was warm and immediate.
“Eleanor, I am glad to hear from you. I am in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays and have good availability. Let me know what works. Looking forward.”
We were on for Wednesday late afternoon. Alfred would be at chess club. Potentially finding myself a coach would mean that Alfred felt heard. He often doesn’t.
About hearing words — especially words I once said some version of — I can still hear Alfred’s words that set me into motion:
“Mom, like you once said to me, ‘You are good, even great, but you could be even better.’ The same goes for you.”
Alfred never forgets a thing, even when words are two years old.
