I meant to call.

I picked up the phone to tell you the hummingbirds were starting to show up. They move so fast down by the alders next to the creek that it seems they may not have even been there when I glance back to see them again. The aviary outside my window where I spent most of my seventh year in bed makes me look at birds differently I think. Do you remember how I told you of the barn swallows I get to rescue every summer in August when they hatch in the mud nest above the cabin door and invariably one of them gets mixed up and flies in? I always hold them the way you taught me. But I put the phone down, of course and went on with the daily doings.

I meant to call.

I picked up the phone to tell you a ridiculous pun I heard the other day at work. This one fellow at work fancies himself to be quite a comedian. No…not me, the other guy. But anyway, some of his corny jokes are funny and remind me of the ones you like me to read to you out of The Reader’s Digest subscription you always send at Christmas. Can’t say much for the articles, but the humor still makes me laugh. Thanks. But I put the phone down, of course and went on with the daily doings.

I meant to call.

I picked up the phone to tell you I talked to my brother. On the e-mail actually, but at least it was communication. You’ve been trying to get me to do that now for 20 years and I wouldn’t. It’s not easy but I’m giving it a try. No promises, but maybe we’ll stay in touch. But I put the phone down, of course and went on with the daily doings.

I meant to call.

I picked up the phone to tell you I plan to be in the garden Sunday. The dahlias have to go in to be able to bloom by the end of July. That favorite picture of yours of me at age two by our dahlia beds in the little post WWII 2 bedroom house, up by the butte on the low rent side of town, sets on the bookshelf. Dahlias in black and white don’t have the same intensity as the digital ones I printed for you of last year’s crop. I know the dahlias are not the part you like the best though about that old photo. But I put the phone down, of course and went on with the daily doings.

I meant to call.

I picked up the phone to tell you I’ll be o.k. this first Mother’s Day without you. But I put the phone down, of course and went on with the daily doings.