My mom died almost 18 years ago. Amazing woman is an understatement. Somehow 55 seemed much older when I was younger. To be precise. I was 30 with 2 babies and an amazing husband. She was an incredibly special part of my life. As time has passed, I’ve realized that it was not only her life that’s effected who I am as a person (all for the better), but her death has left its mark, as well. Some good (like strength), some not so good (like a bottomless well of missing). And, a while back, my dear friend (and amazing writer) Sarah Aronson noticed that my mom’s death had actually found its way into nearly every one of my stories. While I knowingly wrote WATCHING OVER ME with her in mind, the rest of my stories were never about her. Or so I thought. They were about slam poetry and OCD, and ghost hunting and match-making, and obituaries, and travel to a parallel universe. But, somehow under all those plot lines seems to always be a missing mom.
So it seems she’s with me in her death as she was in her life. (How lucky I am!) Teaching and guiding my days and apparently my stories.
I wonder, what touches your writing? Do you even know?
Me and my mom at my college graduation.
My big hair’s a dead give-away that the year was 1987.
What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing! I’m off to a dentist appt so I can’t comment at length, but I did want to mention how much I’m touched by your post. xoxoxo
It’s so true. We have recurring themes we’re not consciously aware of. And what a great picture!
I remember your big hair because we all rocked it in camp! I also remember staying in PA with all of you and had the privilege of meeting your mom! xoxo Randi : )
Randi – Camp was filled with so many fun (and horrible) hair fads, great memories and lifelong special friends! Makes me happy that you remember my mom : )
Mary – It amazed me when Sarah pointed out that my mom had made her way into all of my stories! Made me wonder what else is tucked-in behind those words.
Thanks, Deb. I so appreciate your thoughts and am glad you found the post meaningful. Good luck at the dentist – Ugh!
We are what we live and you carry her with you with everything you do and every thought you have. You are a tribute to your mother and all you have become is your gift to her.
Aunt Jo – Thanks for that!
Big hugs! Your mom would be so proud of the woman and writer you are.
Thanks, Sarah!
This is so beautiful Elly. When you speak of your mom, I can’t help but wish that I had met her as she sounds like such an incredible woman. I Love that she will always be with you through your writing and especially by who you have become because of her influence and love.
Pam, thanks for your kind and thoughtful words. I, too, wish you two had met. I have no doubt she would have loved you : )