The Beginning

September 8, 2009: A propitious day to begin my book since this is the one-year anniversary of my mother's passing. I woke up early this morning thinking of her, knowing she wishes me well in this pursuit. I remember one Sunday afternoon a few months before she died -- I was sitting in her room at the nursing home while she dozed, writing about . . . various things . . . and she awoke suddenly, looked at me, and said, "Writing a book about ME?" I said, "Yes," because that was the easiest answer to give. She smiled, nodded her head, and went back to sleep. I think she smiles and nods to me this morning . . .