Mothers Before by Edan Lepucki

Author:Edan Lepucki
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abrams
Published: 2020-04-07T00:00:00+00:00

1956

ANNABETH GISH

My mother, Judith, at fifteen. A portrait of subtle clues—the contrasting aspects of her personality captured in a quiet, vulnerable way.

Her posture posed, neck swanlike but stiff. Her heartshaped lips just barely offering a suggestion of a smile. Her warm eyes framed by the slightest eyebrow arch of challenge—only a glint—her self-possession distinct.

Cat-eye glasses and embellished daisy appliqué earrings. A soft scoop-neck sweater off the shoulder to feature her smooth skin and clavicle. Her hair short and efficient, confidence with a tight, curly bang.

She married her high-school sweetheart, my father, at nineteen. They alternated getting their graduate degrees while raising three children. A professional woman who worked eight-hour days, then came home each night to cook and clean and cuddle.

Ever insisting I “go dutch” on a date, my mother made sure to impart independence along with a daring urge. My first forays on stage were acting alongside her in community plays. She has been a fixture of fierce love in my life, most always soft, but sometimes hard—the balancing act of motherhood.

I have her same shape of clavicle; the same hazel hue of eye. The architecture of her bones I am proud to wear.

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