Me, the Writer

Excerpt from my mother-in-law's eulogy

On the night before mama died I left her wrapped in her yummy orange blanket and “puppy” was under her left wrist. I told Danny that the only thing of mama’s that I wanted was her orange blanket. Orange is my favorite color, and I can snuggle in it and remember her…like indirectly hugging her forever.
I asked if “puppy” could be buried with mama because during her last few days, she enjoyed stroking that stuffed animal’s fur, and cradling him in her hands. I bought puppy for her as a gift, and I’d like puppy to be with her.

Adventures
I want to remember her for the incorrigible person that she was with me. She was so feisty and I enjoyed our adventures. She'd say, "Maria let's go find some trouble to get into..." She loved having me drive her places like going shopping, picking up a bite to eat. We ate naughty, yummy food together and she LOVED burgers, fries, and milk shakes.

I reminded Dan of a time (not too long ago) when I asked mama if she wanted to drive by my old house which I had recently sold (my old house is near her house in Falls Church ). We drove down to the end of the cul de sac and she said, "Let's peek in the windows to see what improvements they've done." So, this old white haired lady got me to trespass onto property that was no longer mine, and we peeked in all the windows! I thought we'd get caught/arrested. Can you imagine the story? My mother-in-law was the culprit who would have been responsible for US getting in trouble!

We are sad at her passing, but Mama is at peace. Remember, her wonderful loving heart. Remember the love she showed. She'll be close to our hearts forever.
Mama was a wonderful caring, loving, nurturing woman.
-She was indescribable.
-She was mama...


The Three Pesky Gerbils

The initial idea of the story came from an impromptu creative session with my husband (my writing partner on the book series that we've been trying to finish).

Ultimately, my writing endeavors while in Europe celebrating my 50th birthday, will include journaling the trip for myself as well as expanding on Jamal, Jeremy, and Janiece's hitchhiking to Europe in my bag. Oh the adventures we will all have while abroad!

Ciao