Our eyes meet as the paramedics jog the gurney away from me down the dreadfully long hall hurrying toward the waiting ambulance. I attempt a reassuring aspect but fail miserably. His color changes from pasty white to gray in an instant. He struggles to breathe. I hold my breath. I swallow a sob as I see the life fade from his eyes.
Pick a classmate’s name out of a bowl, keep it a secret, sneak nice notes or small treats into their desk, share a present at the school Christmas party and reveal your identity. Sounds simple, right? Read more
When our eyes connect the electricity takes my breath away. We belong together; no doubt about it. Read more
Melt the contradictions into oblivion I tell myself.
“Mary, can we discuss the crucifix in your office?” My boss stands awkwardly at the threshold of my cramped office. Read more
Hard, butterscotch candy tried to end me.
“Never eat these unless you ask first,” Mom warned.
Immediately, those golden pieces of heaven with matching cellophane called my name. Read more
Waves glide over my head stealing my breath. Not a swimmer, I push forward toward the prize: a sandbar approximately 200 yards off shore. At least I’m praying that’s what it is and not an oceanic mirage.
“Impressive portfolio … extremely talented … congratulations you are the recipient … scholarship.” I skim the text on my phone. My head whirls with excitement.
“She got it. She GOT IT!” I shriek at Stella. Lifting her head, weakly tapping her tail on the floor, Stella is drowsily curious at my outburst. Tears hurry to my eyes. Whatever the occasion, tears come unbidden.
My phone buzzes; the screen flashes – EVANNE. I punch the display and bellow, “OH MY GOD!”
“Can you believe it?” Evanne squeals.
I hesitate, stifling my jubilant tears, embarrassed.
“Mom, are you crying?” Not actually a question, only a statement accompanied by a giggle. She knows me too damned well.
“No!” I lie, laughing at her observation.
A prayed for blessing, another step attained in Evanne’s quest to pursue her artistic dreams. Special make-up effects school will build new opportunities. Learning from the gurus in the film industry will prove priceless. I’m beyond ecstatic for her.
Evanne loves artsy endeavors, even as a toddler. I have secreted away an overabundance of Jackson Pollock-esque pieces from the time she could hold a crayon. So many masterpieces created by her young hand. Scribbles, lively colors and mashed up elements. Our game – always the same – ‘Mommy, tell me what it is,’ she’d request, her huge blue eyes shining.
Not wanting to inhibit her imagination or deem a dog a horse or worse, my response taught her to put words to her creations. “You tell me, Evanne. Explain your picture.”
She’d interpret her creation in minute detail. As my excitement grew so did her story. A wonderful exchange I’ll forever cherish.
Evanne matured – her art and our discussions, too. Evanne is teaching me. Her skills, knowledge, and excitement for art are growing into a fantastic future. I look forward to many more exchanges.
I sit in the pink semi-darkness of the growing dawn staring into the beautiful eyes of this tiny boy. I am overwhelmed. My breath catches, an ache in my throat, a sob of joy and fear. Fear of the future and joy for what it holds for him. Read more
America, 1914, destination Ellis Island. June 29 marked the beginning of my Italian family in the United States; the day Paul Vittori married Nina. Read more
