All in the Family
The day after my mother died, the Rabbi urged me and my brother to each write a eulogy. My heart was broken, and I couldn’t imagine getting through it. But the Rabbi insisted it would be therapeutic, and we siblings rose to the occasion. At the memorial service, I was surprised to hear my brother speak about our mom as the ultimate caregiver who was always there waiting with a meal. I’d admired her as a talented career woman (who also drove me nuts sometimes). So dear brother, I hope you don’t mind this contest.
Art by Victoria Ling
Make Life Art
Feel like talking about your mother? Enter our contest.
Illustration by Franco Matticchio
Contest: When Mother Doesn’t Know Best
I’m grateful to my mother because she taught me to have a good life. Part of how I learned was by osmosis. She excelled at almost everything, so just being around her elevated my game. But there were aspects to my mother that I didn’t want to replicate, and I thank her for indirectly teaching me what not to do, as well.
To enter today’s contest, answer the question: What one thing have you chosen to do differently than your mother (other than marriage)? Your response can refer to something trivial or profound or anything in between. And this is a contest worth entering. The prize is DEAR LIFE, a collection of stories from one of the great writers, Alice Munro, who recently announced her retirement. Submit your entry using the Comments section. Include your first name. If you win, we’ll email for your U.S. shipping address and phone number. By submitting you’ll become an FPS subscriber (if you’re not already). Please submit only one idea per entry, though feel free to enter as often as you like. Deadline is August 9, 2013.
Here’s To You!
Your witty and wise comments on Grocery Shopping While Single have made this another perfect day. Thanks, community!
Greeting card by Katie Leamon
Grocery Shopping While Single
It was a perfect Sunday. After a 3-hour lunch with a friend at a favorite restaurant, we browsed a chic neighborhood store and tried on sunglasses. Winding my way home, I stopped at Trader Joe’s to grab ingredients for the Citrus and Spice Chicken I’d be grilling later that night. I was feeling comfortable and satisfied in my single skin. With one errand left, I breezed into the supermarket to pick up a few staples. And then I came into contact with this giant sign. What a buzz kill.
On Hold for Cable TV Tech Support
After waiting for 30 minutes to speak with technical support, I got “accidentally” disconnected, and now I’m back on hold. These are the times that try a woman’s soul.
Image from The Made Shop
Archive for July, 2013
About this Site
FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
Follow First Person Singular
Greatest Hits
