Today is the anniversary of my mom's passing, Dec. 7th. We had a special bond. 

In 2016 I had a desire to write an essay about her life through my eyes and decided to read it aloud with her. My mom was married four times in her lifetime with the second one being a physically abusive one. She was intelligent and kind and driven by the excitement of love and the traditional idea of marriage (until she was done). I am the only child by my parents, and my mom was my advocate, critic, benefactor and my closest model of love. At 47 years old, even in a healthy relationship with Bunny, I am faced with what it means to be in this world without that presence, that expression of generosity and safety. 

My mom's death was not a moment on December 7th, 2020, but it was in motion for years beforehand. I was lucky enough to be with her the last 2 years of her life. But because of a 2nd stroke in June 2020 and then COVID, I didn't see her for the last month she was alive. She died separated from me. (months before vaccines became available).

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" - song by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg and performed and recorded by Bunny Frost (2021) for my mom's memorial. 

Anyway, this is Part 1 of 2 of that conversation with her, about her LIFE. 

Love, Rachel 

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www.racheldrews.com and ig @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018 she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews