Thoughts from Sleepy LaBone

          It has been several days since I learned Herman E. Calloway was my grandfather.  I have not seen him or talked to him since he learned the news.  He has stayed in his room all of this time.  Every so often I hear him crying.  Miss Thomas checks on him and takes him some food.

          I am not sure yet what it feels like to know that this grumpy old man is my grandfather.  It is not pleasant spending time around him.  I am not sure if that will change.  Miss Thomas had said we were going to have to wait to find out how he feels about all of this.  That is fine with me.  He can take all of the time he wants.  I know I am not going to be leaving this place any time soon.

          Miss Thomas has been mighty kind.  Every day since she found out about Momma dying she has asked me lots of questions about her and our life together.  It has been fun and sad for me to talk about her.  Miss Thomas has also told me lots of stories about Momma while she was growing up.  I have enjoyed learning more about Momma.

          I have spent time polishing my new saxophone.  It is the most beautiful thing I own.  Steady Eddie has already spent several sessions with me teaching me how to play it.  It is going to be slow going but I am determined to get good at it.  I want him and the other band members to be proud of me.  Steady Eddie is a good and patient teacher.  I know I am in good hands.

          I do not know how things will turn out with Herman E. Calloway.  I guess it does not matter.  I am in a place where I feel loved.  The people around me knew and loved Momma.  I could not ask for more.