Digging In

by Loretta Nyhan

when I was both a recent grad with no experience and a new mom (also with no experience).

Everything can be learned, you know? Some people learn sooner, others later. Not a big deal if the outcome is the same.”

“That kind of change is the kind that’s fucking unfair,” he said. “It’s the sucker punch.” “And the only thing you can do when that happens,” I added, reaching out to touch his arm, “is to breathe your way through the pain.” “But it’s hard to breathe sometimes,” Glynnis said. “It’s so hard to breathe.” Mykia set her fork down. “Do you ever see, when people are hyperventilating on TV, someone hands them a paper bag to breathe into?” Glynnis nodded. “You have to find your paper bag when you feel like you can’t get the air in,” Mykia said. She had an air of authority that had both boys hanging on her every word. “Is that what my mom’s doing?” Trey asked. “Is the garden her paper bag?” “Well,” Mykia said, resuming her dinner, “you are smarter than you look.”