September 22, 2016

• Looking at Mother

  Mrs. Amanda Fuller was a woman of consequence. Her petite frame could scarcely contain the force of her personality. Liz had grown up in the shadow of her mother. It was hard to escape her mother's watchful eye since she was a room mother, PTO President, organizer for every fundraiser and chums with all the teachers. In junior high school Liz overheard some girls trying to recall a name. They couldn't remember and finally said "You know, what'shername, Mrs. Fuller’s daughter." It was a blow to realize that her classmates knew her mother better than they knew her. She worked hard to make a name for herself in High School. She made the cheer leading squad. She was Vice President of Student Council too. She participated in every club and activity that was available. By the time she graduated from high school she had found a small place beyond her mother’s influence. College had given her more autonomy and she thrived. Holidays were painful as she submitted to her mother’s decisions concerning her hair, clothes, even her music selections. Out of self-preservation Liz started seeing a school psychologist. Life was good. Her self-image improved along with her confidence. She felt strong and capable. The job with Mr. Jacan had whittled away at her psyche. The final straw was this strange illness. Now that she was better and soon to be discharged, she had a new fearlessness. At least until the prospect of being in the same room as her parents was manifest. She had spent several pleasant hours with Dr. Hawk before her parents burst into the room. Thankfully he had already left by the time her mother made her grand entrance. Liz had braced herself for the moment. When her mother rushed to the bed, Liz threw off the covers and stood up.

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