I have reached a milestone.
My family and close friends all know I am writing my mother’s biography (1914-1980). I have been laboring on this undertaking for quite a long time—more than seven years. This is my third attempt at putting her life down on paper and I am totally committed to finishing it this time around by working on it every day whenever possible.
They say if you want to be immortal—write a book. How true that is might be questionable but although, unintentional and unpremeditated my mother’s story has become a book. Her life was a complex combination of poor choices, sorrow and daring—interspersed with sprinklings of bliss all camouflaged by a stiff upper lip—and an “I made my bed and I will lie in it.” posturing.
Her alcohol induced mood swings were bizarre yet somehow she always found her way back from the edge of hopelessness into the heart of her family and friends. Her strengths were beyond the ordinary and her inimitable time on earth mattered to all connected to her, whether by blood or friendship.
The milestone I have reached is the half-way point in her life and although there is much work left to do, I feel like I am over the top and on the way down the mountain. In response to your thoughtful interest in my progress, just thought you might want to know!
My family and close friends all know I am writing my mother’s biography (1914-1980). I have been laboring on this undertaking for quite a long time—more than seven years. This is my third attempt at putting her life down on paper and I am totally committed to finishing it this time around by working on it every day whenever possible.
They say if you want to be immortal—write a book. How true that is might be questionable but although, unintentional and unpremeditated my mother’s story has become a book. Her life was a complex combination of poor choices, sorrow and daring—interspersed with sprinklings of bliss all camouflaged by a stiff upper lip—and an “I made my bed and I will lie in it.” posturing.
Her alcohol induced mood swings were bizarre yet somehow she always found her way back from the edge of hopelessness into the heart of her family and friends. Her strengths were beyond the ordinary and her inimitable time on earth mattered to all connected to her, whether by blood or friendship.
The milestone I have reached is the half-way point in her life and although there is much work left to do, I feel like I am over the top and on the way down the mountain. In response to your thoughtful interest in my progress, just thought you might want to know!
Good luck on your writings. It's interesting that we both commented on our mothers today. My mother was six years younger and lived somewhat older but had some similar trials in life.
ReplyDeleteLarry