23 May Goldberg’s

I woke up this morning with a big ‘ol lump in my throat. I’ve got an especially emotional week ahead of me.

Jim and the boys left early this morning to drive to Charlotte, NC for work. They were gone by daybreak, so instead of having my usual cup of coffee, I decided to walk to Goldberg’s. I figured a sourdough bagel, toasted, with jalapeño cream cheese would do a lot to lift my spirits.

I live just a mile or so from the best ‘bagelry’ south of the Mason-Dixon line. A good Jewish deli run by a couple of Australian boys, Goldberg’s is one of those extra special places in my neighborhood. I go so often that they know my breakfast order . . . a bowl of oatmeal, with pecans instead of raisins.

With my debit card in my pocket, I embarked on a brisk walk.

This week my baby graduates from high school. Like most parents of teenage boys, I can say more times that not, I’ve wished this day would come sooner. The late nights – so exhausted – up waiting for him past curfew. The classes he failed because he didn’t turn in homework. The half-filled McDonald’s cups and dirty dishes he stores under his bed.

But this morning I want to take it all back. I would gladly stay up all night to have a little more time with him. If I could do over, I would just shut the door and ignore the mess in his room.

You see, this morning I watched a Dad and his daughter enjoy breakfast together. He, with his business attire, and she in her school uniform, sat and laughed and talked before the bus arrived. I don’t know if they do that every morning, but even once that child will remember it as long as she lives. So will Dad.

That bagel was good but it didn’t do a damn thing for my emotions. Maybe tomorrow morning I’ll suggest Trey and I walk together to Goldberg’s for breakfast. It’ll give me a chance to tell him how proud I am of him and how much I’m going to miss him when he’s off at college.

Trey Weldon, graduating from North Atlanta High School. Starting in Pre-Engineering at Auburn University this fall.