Marigold's Family

"Breakfast is on the table my lovely flowers".

The sisters looked at each other and made faces. They hated when their mother called them her 'lovely flowers' Their names were Lily, Rose, and Violet. It is bad enough to have the name of flowers, it is worst when your last name is 'Gardner'.

Sure they got teased but not anything the three of them could not handle. They were not just sisters; they were friends. Now they really had to stick together, because they were in a new school. Their school was out today. The sisters were going to play a new video game after they finished their chores.

Rose and Violet shared a bedroom. Lily had her own room. She was the oldest girl; she just turned twelve. Rose is nine and Violet is six. Their older brother, Timothy is seventeen. He is away at college.

Their mother, our mother Mother G has told us it will take time for this new house to feel like home. Adjusting takes time and patience. We need to relax, chill and, go with the flow.

"I forgot my manners and I'm the storyteller. My name is Marigold, yes another flower. I am the family feline and have been with them for seven years. You never knew a feline that could read and write, or talk? Well, shut my mouth and call me dumb! This is The Land of Stories and anything can happen."

Let's get back to our story. The girls finished their chores and have gathered in Lily's room. They have a big bowl of salty, buttery popcorn and it is making my whiskers watery. This new game they are playing is called, 'Girls Ruling the World'. Each player creates their own world. They need to have a career, business, employees, home, and, a family. The winner is the player whose universe establishes more universes from the original before your time is up.

Mom G works from home. She writes vegan cookbooks. She is in her office, clicking away on her computer. Delicious tomato basil, three cheese, rosemary potato casserole is on its way to her website.

I'm wandering from room to room watching my kinsfolk. Did I tell you I know what they are thinking? I can read my family's mind. That is one of the many talents of being a family feline!

Daddy Gardner is a veterinarian. He is an animal doctor. He is away at a convention. That is a large important meeting with other animal doctors.

Last, there is Monarch. He is a canine and the first one in the Gardner household. He never lets me forget that. He is a basset hound. Everybody loves Monarch! Give me a break!!!

The doorbell is ringing! Who can that be at 1 in the afternoon? Patter, pat, pat, thump. I am at the door. Look at Monarch with his droopy face, sitting in front of the door, as if someone is coming to see him. Meow, meow, meow.

"You just had to get to the door before me. Meow. Expecting company King Monarch?"

Monarch turned to Marigold and gave his head a good strong shake. A shower of spittle blew in Marigold's face. She hissed; he growled.

Mom G opened the front

"Surprise, surprise! Oh the house is so large and beautiful!"

Walking in the door, with suitcases were Pop-Pop and Nana, her husband's mother and father.

Mom G - "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Pop-Pop - "We wanted to surprise you and the girls. Paul knew we were coming."

Monarch, with his short legs, started crawling up the stairs and barking for the girls. They were already on the way down. All hugged and kissed. They were happy to see their grandparents, but they always came with more than a visit.

Nana said she had something very important to tell them. Pop-Pop was being honored by The Board of Education. There was going to be a fancy dinner, awards, and, speeches. She said he had taught English and Language Arts for forty years.

When he retired, he volunteered as a tutor. "I thought it would make him so proud to have his family there. It is a black-tie event"

That means it is a real dress-up night. Purr.

Well, straight up Mom G is not up for all this. Are you kidding me? Black tie, formal dinner, three girls and myself to dress, your son is out of state and we have to go! I'm reading Mom's thoughts and they are on a roller coaster. This is a good time for me to wrap around her legs and massage those calves.

Pizza, salad and, cheesecake were ordered for dinner. Plans to go to the mall the next day were made. The girls were so excited they had flown to the moon and were playing among the stars.

Dr. G called to see how his family liked their surprise.

Mom G - "Why didn't you tell me they were coming?"

Dr. G - " You would have started fretting. Relax, you are in good company. They are great people."

Dr. G started laughing so hard, Mom had to laugh with him.

I quietly go back downstairs and Monarch is the center of attention! Pop-Pop and Nana are petting and rubbing him, feeding him thin slices of pepperoni. Everybody loves Monarch! Give me a break! Why aren't you talking about the fancy dresses you need to buy?

The next day was a girl's day out. Meow. They found their dresses; Nana paid for them. When they came home, all gathered in the den. I stayed in there with them, playing with the fancy shopping bags and tissue paper. They all thought this was so cute. I wanted to hear what was going on! So far, so good. It seemed to me Nana was in charge! But, what do I know...I'm a cat!

Lily's dress was a flowery print. Yes, different colored lilies. Rose's dress was red and Violet, you guessed it, a lavender blue. What can I say? Humans, give them a color and they run with it. Mom G chose an elegant black gown trimmed in silver. Nana did not show anyone what she would be wearing. She wanted to 'surprise' us!

Who knew Nana's mother was a cosmetologist (hairdresser) and Nana worked in her salon as a teen. She learned a few things in there. When Nana was in college she earned money by, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. So, she was styling the family's hair for the big night. I'm hanging out with the girls! Where else? They are going to do each other's nails. I've never seen so many different colors of polish. This is exciting!

The house is becoming a college dorm. Monarch and Pop-Pop keep going from Dr. G's mancave to Timothy's room to the back porch trying to get away from all the girlie stuff.

AWARD NIGHT

Pop-Pop Gardner said in his comment speech, 'he did not know the man they were talking about.' He said he has been humbled by his life experiences and dedicated educators are still needed. While earning your degrees, working in your career, and in retirement, pursue volunteering.

How do I know all this? Well, videos were made of the entire ceremony. I watched and listened so I could share it with you.

The Gardner women looked lovely. They were beautiful from head to toe. Nana was stunning in a royal blue, silk gown. I'm sure photographs will be added to our 'Family Wall of Fame'.

Pop-Pop and Nana will be leaving Saturday morning. It doesn't feel like they have been here a week. I will miss them. Monarch will too. The girls will cry and promise to video chat.

Mom G. has found new respect and admiration for her husband's parents. When we spend real time with people, talk with them, get to know them, we not only see the beauty in them, we feel the beauty in them.

SURPRISES, even if they do turn your day upside down, can be surprisingly good!