After my mom passed away in May 2020 of Covid-19, I was grief-stricken. I didn’t want to let her go, but I had no control of her dying of a disease running rampant in the world. I needed to get to know her better, and find a way to come to terms with her leaving us. I knew about her extraordinary life raising six children abroad as a diplomat’s wife. She had so many stories to tell, and I knew many of them. 

I asked my siblings to contribute their memories of Mom, used my father’s recollections of his marriage with his beautiful bride Patsy to write chapters, and penned my own recollections of her in retirement. Two of my brothers scanned thousands of old photos, sending the best ones to me. 

The book began to take shape with photos and stories of Mom at all stages of her life. She came alive to me once again, and as the months passed I bid her adieu. She was after all 94 years old, and no one could live forever. Her book Six Kids, Five Continents was printed, and as I handed it out to relatives, I felt that she would always be with us and that her well-lived life would be an example for all of us to follow. 

Now, I want to help people record their stories, before it’s too late and the memories are forgotten forever. It’s time for people to open up about what made their life special, and pen those recollections in a book that family members will treasure. I will make that happen for you.