We say Night Prayer before Momma goes to work. We parade our clothes for the next day to gain her approval, and I get all the kids into the bed.
Mom leaves for work with a kiss.
I hear her call out her ride is here. The door closes and I hear the rolling of the streetcar outside. I take Jimmie's shoes and polish them. I put my only tie on top of Kevin's shirt so he can wear it for the class picture tomorrow. It will mean nothing to him, this tie, and he will lose it somewhere between Mass and the cemetary on the way home.