A Second Chance

Mama knows

May 14th.

"I can't believe my boys are getting ready for prom!  I don't want you two to grow up!"

"Aw mom, it's okay!" James says.

"Graduation is less than a month away, and I'm not ready." She looks at them with sad eyes.

"Mom.."

"Just thinking that you two will be fourteen hours away from me makes me sick to my stomach."

"Mom, don't do this." Sam says in a sad tone.

"I'm sorry.. I should be happy that daddy and I raised such.. Smart and independent boys.  I am happy and I'm so so proud of the both of you.. It's just hard for me."

"We love you, mom."

"I love you too." She smiles with tears slowly running down her cheeks.

"Don't cry!  We still have a long time till we leave!  Don't think about it." Sam says wiping her tears.

"What am I gonna do without you?"

"Mikey's still here to help."

"It's not about that.  It's about not seeing you everyday, or not being able to touch you.. Hug you and tell you how much I love you."

"Mom, you can call us, and we'll visit all the time! Please don't upset yourself." Samuel hugs her.

"Oh Samuel... You have grown up so much this past year.  After daddy.. I didn't think I could do this all myself.. Then the baby was coming and I was terrified.. But you guys have stepped up and helped me out so so much.  Thank you.  I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am."

They smile softly and James hugs her.

"You and dad did a great job, mom."

"Thank you.

He was so great.. I'm worried about Michael and Grayson."

"Why?"

"Michael's still young, and Grayson is just a baby.  I worry about him because he'll never have a father."

"He does ma!  He always will! You can do this and we will help you do this!  Grayson and Michael will both be fine.  Michael is strong and Grayson.. That little boy has more people looking out for him than anyone I know."

Jessica nods wipes her face.

"If you ever need anything, Sam and I are just a phone call away."

She smiles softly and holds her arms out to both of them for a hug.

***

"Mom!"

"Just one more picture!  Michael, grab Grayson and you both get in!"

Michael laughs but does what she asks.

"Oh my boys are so handsome!" Jessica takes the picture then shows them.

"Look!  Look how perfect you are!  You all came out of me!" She smiles.

"This picture right here is my four best accomplishments!  I love you boys so much!"

"We love you too, mom."

*

"Alright Grayson, say bye bye to your brothers.  Boys, be good!" Jessica takes Grayson and points her finger at the twins.

"We will!"

"I mean it, Samuel!"

"I know, mom!" He laughs.