Comments on: “Don’t Show My Body”: A Story Reveals Mother’s Character

By: Barb Webster

Barb Webster — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:09:32 +0000

I was so glad to read your deeply personal story about your mother, especially since I had the privilege of knowing her when you and I were grade schoolers and strumming ukuleles together at your house – I do remember her black hair! Martha, my mother, had so many of the same qualities – vanity, not giving females credit if they were in a typically male position, having a maid to keep things “perfect” for those who might drop by – while we have moved on to be more tolerant and live a casual lifestyle deep down there is no doubt a litle, or a lot, of Willie and Martha buried in each of us! And hopefully we have learned from them to become who we are today.

By: Betty Nelson

Betty Nelson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:57:40 +0000

Linda,,
I appreciate how difficult it is to put emotions in writing, especially when they are wrapped around someone close to you facing such a traumatic event. You revealed a lot about your mother and her relationship with others including you and your dad.You also let us see into your feelings too. Thank you for sharing with us.

By: Mary Franz

Mary Franz — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:44:15 +0000

Thank you, Linda! Your story took me in, close up and personal to a vulnerable, intimate, sacred time of passage for your mother in which you were among her chosen few to be present with her for. I could really feel her era and character, and I admire the respectful place you were able to hold even in the face of her cold faucet. Unlike her, I love your tears, even if they are messy! They are a conduit, or expression, of your tender, loving heart.
Your writing is a gift – thank you for sharing it!

By: Lydia Davis

Lydia Davis — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:10:42 +0000

Linda, Your writing about your Mother opened a window on your life for me. I saw
you as a young daughter observing your Mother and later as an adult seeing
your Mother as a person who was fearful of being seen. Although I never had the pleasureof meeting your Mother you have spoken of her many times. Your
writing helped me to understand how it was for you to be Willie’s daughter.

Your Mother’s comment about the Minister being a woman…”How could she
really help?”, reminded me of how often as women we undermine the feminine.

Thank you for sharing the gift of your story.

By: Martha Franco

Martha Franco — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:32:33 +0000

Thanks for been an inspiration to all of us new (semi-new)students.
Love your story, Martha Franco