My father was born in Dallas, Texas, on April 22, 1922. His given name was Edwin, but everyone called him Ed or Eddie. I was born some 30 years later; according to Mother, he was instantly enamored with me. “She’s special,” he told her, “I vow to give her a special place in my heart.” […]
memories
May 4 – Inside Mother’s Cracker Box Kitchen
I learned to cook standing alongside Mother but often complained about her cramped, cracker box kitchen. “I hate cooking in here! There’s not enough room to do anything!” Mother stopped what she was doing; grabbed her wet dish towel; and snapped it on my buttocks. “Don’t be so fussy!” Despite its cramped quarters, I loved […]
April 20 – Perfectly Imperfect
For 18 years I have been in a relationship with Mike. Our anniversary is marked by spring and a natural renewal of what is possible after a long dark winter. In 2002, we were both wandering in the same west coast city and at the same expansive workplace, mending broken hearts. That April we came […]
April 6 – Their Peculiar Ways
“Wash your hands, little lady!” “I already washed them a little while ago. Why should I wash them again?” “You’ve touched countless things since then; your hands are dirty.” “But Grammy,” I turned my hands over, closely examining them. “They don’t look dirty!” “Yes, they are! The kind of dirt I’m talking about is invisible; […]
March 23 – Rainy Day
It has been a week. I can’t believe how slow the time goes when one is stuck at home and does pretty much nothing. My birthday came and went, and due to the new circumstances, we couldn’t get together as we do every year. Now by the end of the week, the rain comes, and […]
March 9 – Keeper of the Bell
When I was little, I loved everything about the start of a new school year— the swish of crinoline ruffled petticoats underneath crisply starched, frilly dresses Mother made me; slipping my feet into my new saddle oxford shoes; Mother and I rummaging our way down the aisles of our neighborhood TG&Y purchasing school supplies, then […]