(Wednesday will be my last post until November 7th).

I write this post on Sunday morning. My original post scheduled for today has been scrapped, as have my original Sunday plans. Because to quote Mrs. Dilber from The Christmas Carol?

These changes are indeed “in keeping with the situation.”

By the time you read this, it will be all over. Eagles vs. Dallas tonight, and the Eagles are undefeated. I prayed in church this morning for peace on Earth and goodwill towards men. For I am mother to three devout Eagles’ fans who patently, permanently and passionately despise Dallas. It is a hatred that burns with flash, flare and flame, never to be extinguished.

And it moves through our home like a incandescent conflagration, as it did when I was growing up. Then it was three older brothers who stoked the flames of their hatred for everything that is Dallas football.

Now it is three sons.

I don’t want to be home. I want to flee, far, far away. But I have to be home. Because mothers must be present in their children’s times of need. Such as now.

My household is pulsating with frenetic energy and tension. Whereas I usually leave the island for the day to go shopping, to wander around museums and bookshops, to catch a movie, or even to meet clients for Sunday coffee, today I feel the need to be here.

I don’t want to be here. Believe me, I want to be anywhere but here. But I must be here. For I am my sons’ emotional support animal.

So I am brewing coffee and preparing a roast chicken, hoping the comforting smells remind them of their humanity. I have hung my Eagles’ flag out front, hoping my solidarity will impress upon them that I am indeed their birth mother. I am wearing my green oversize cashmere turtleneck, a comfy garment that complements my eyes.

I need the positive boost.

They need my positivity. When a woman grows a baby in her womb, her DNA and theirs will always be inextricably linked. That’s why when our kids are happy, or sad, or conflicted, so are we.

So I have no choice but to be involved in this time with them. To stick close to home. The family group text has started, with lots of capital letters and exclamation points. Loud online betting has commenced, and jerseys are out. Spirits are high, because all boys are coasting on the endorphins from the Phillies’ wins.

So by the time you are reading this, the die will have been cast.

Pray for me.