A grandfather, two kids and a baby walk into a mall…

Today the kids and I left Rob home to study and spent the day with my father. We visited mom first. Ziggy was first through the door and she lit up when she saw him. Charlie pushed the baby smiling politely at the residents and we sat in mom’s room for a bit.

“That’s the prettiest baby I have ever seen.” My mom smiled at Weldon who smiled back, flashing her two new teeth. 

We gave her hugs, showed off Weldon and made a few jokes before heading out to do some shopping with dad. I always tell the kids about getting dropped off by my parents at the mall and wandering around with my friends. So I thought, how fun! I can take dad and the kids to the mall and dad can shop for mom while the kids and I grab a Father’s Day gift for Rob! 

I haven’t set foot in a mall in about fifteen years. Things have changed. The mall felt like it had been through the apocalypse. Fluorescent lights flickered over the stained carpet. Scant piles of mismatched clothes were displayed in clumps. Everyone looked miserable. And it was hot. Really hot. 

We strolled through and I had one of those, you can’t go home again moments. But I wouldn’t let that dampen the day. 

“I told you we would take you on an adventure, dad.” I laughed, leading the crew through a dark passage to the Macy’s elevator.  Jokes about the gulag were made. Zig took pictures of the suburban decay for his friends. I pointed out places that used to be to Charlie. Not showing how sad I was at the state of things or how old it all made me feel. 

“Mom, there are so many people. And it’s hot. I don’t know. You said you used to come here as a kid. But this seems like a place you would hate. Lots of people and you know, it’s hot,” Ziggy said.

He was right. 

On the ride back to dads, we talked about what it all used to be when it was new when Charlie called out, “Mom, there’s that restaurant you loved as a kid!” 

At least she was taking notes. And remembering things for me. 

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