"I want to write about my mommy. Beatrice’s story about her mother reminded me of my mommy. That’s what I called her."
Loretta is outgoing and thinks and talks very fast. But she didn't just open her mouth and tell this story right after Beatrice read hers. She waited one month, then asked me to write it down and read it out for her. When Beatrice heard this, I could see that it made her really happy.
I mean, isn't THIS how all of us should be listening to our friends' stories? First, you wait till your friend has all the space she needs, then slowly you open up and tell your own in response. It's a special kind of self expression, because it's ultimately mutual. It's not venting, it's a very, very sensitive sharing.
In some way, I feel like this story gave Beatrice closure to her unresolved questions about her mom. It's not just the content Loretta shared. It's the fact that Loretta really listened.
Click Here to reread Beatrice's heartbreaking story. Read on for the heartwarming story of a loving daughter and friend.
Loretta Gaither
11.8.2012
About My Mommy
I want to write about my mommy. Beatrice’s story about her mother reminded me of my mommy. That’s what I called her.
If my mommy was living today, I wouldn’t be in this situation. The place I live at is a fire hazard with wires hanging everywhere.
My children are trying to help. We reunited because of this class and my stories on the website.
My mommy was a strong woman just like I am. She talked a lot with me.
I always helped my mommy with cooking.
She was paralyzed on one side. She had a stroke when I was 5 years old.
She would tell me, “Be strong” when I was in my 20s and things weren’t going right.
I would call my mommy every day and she would talk to me.
When my mommy went to heaven, I was 53 and I had nobody to talk to. So, when I was around 63, I asked Carol Mack – an older woman I was close to whom I would talk to at the senior center – to be my Godmother.
This writing class gives me people to talk to. And I talk to the Lord above, too, to keep my mind together.
It helps me to have people to talk to. My friends in this class listen to me. And I like listening to everyone here.