This morning at breakfast, I heard the words every mom wants to hear.

The girls were exhausted, and they looked like someone had literally just dragged them out of bed. Because, we practically had. Zoe was trying to decide if she’d already worn the outfit she had on earlier in the week. And none of us could even remember. I had a sneaky suspicion she’d picked it up, off of the floor of her room, and just thrown it on.

Why bother with using hangers?

“If we can’t remember, I’m guessing no one else can remember either,” I explained. We didn’t have time for a clothing change. The clock was ticking, and every second counts for the Kurtz family in the morning.

And that’s when she dropped it on me.
“Mom, last night in my dream, I dreamt you died,” Zoe informed me.

Seriously.

“Zoe, how horrible,” I said, “What happened?”

This is not how I want to be starting my day. NOT AT ALL.

“You were driving and just fell asleep in the car. I was sobbing in my sleep.”

“Aw, you do love me,” I said, because I literally had no words. And I’m not used to not having anything to say. I was perplexed. I was befuddled. I was off my game.

What a horrible way to start my day. In fact, I found it unsettling. A lot unsettling. And I had so many places to go today. By car.

Yikes.

Sadly, Zoe has a close friend who recently lost his father, and it’s been weighing heavily on her. On all of us. I’m sure that’s what caused her dream. I believe things that go on in our lives show up sometimes in our dreams.  I tried to convince myself of this, and Zoe, as we moved on with the rush of the morning.

As she packed up her school bag, I reminded her of several things I need her to do later today.

“Mom, you could ask me to do anything right now, and I’d do it. I’m just glad you’re alive.”

How sweet, and terrifying. I’ll drive very carefully today. But, I’ll be sure to have a list for her when she gets home from school today. Might as well seize the moment, right?

Find meaning each day,

Dara