My Mother Marie
by
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The true to life story of families raised in an era when people were used to doing without and making things do. Hard work and simple entertainment were the norm and children respected their elders, parents, teachers and grandparents. Bittersweet stories make up this book. There are some really funny memories and yet, as in real life some very difficult and sad ones. The author hopes to spark some memories in the reader of their own childhood and give them a reason to turn page after page in anticipation of the outcome of her story.
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About the Book
Marie, happy-go-lucky, loved to dance and sing even after her 12 hour shifts at the Fendrich Cigar Factory where she worked during the Great Depression. She was from a large Catholic family whose alcoholic father died when Marie was six. Her Mama Pauline was at St. Anthony church every time the doors were unlocked and she was adamant that her children would never miss Mass on a Sunday or a Holyday. When Marie began dating Ed - he told her in no uncertain terms that he did not dance, did not intend to learn and would never set foot in the Dreamland Dance hall on Franklin Street. Marie was devastated that her entertainment would be sitting at the kitchen table drinking homebrew beer and playing clabber. . Long drives in the country in Ed's car was an inexpensive past time since a gallon of gas was priced at about 5 cents. What happened to those years so suffused with happiness that turned into a life without hope? When did she become so empty and angry?
About the Author
As a teenager Patti dreamed that one day she would write. Her Journalism teacher, Sister Mary Angela encouraged her to continue her education. But in the 1950's college was for rich kids. So Patti, like most of her peers, got a puny job, got married and raised as many kids as "God sent her." But the dream hovered over her like a noiseless helicopter and just refused to move on. When her children were ready for college she decided to jump in and try being a late bloomer. So she graduated from the University of Southern Indiana when she was 48 years old. However, she earned her degree in Psychology/Social Work - not creative writing - and worked for 18 years as a Substance Abuse counselor at a halfway house for addicted women. She had a story to tell and every once in awhile that persistant helicopter touched down to remind her. Now at age 72, after years of trying not to meet the challenge, here she is with her childhood bittersweet memories, painful, humorous and healing. Challenge accepted!