Nellie Remembered

I was born on May 24, 1939 in Makati, Philippines and named Irene Rose, the fifth child of Newton and Nellie Light and raised in Virginia and California. I completed two years college in Compton, California, aspiring to become a Fashion Illustrator/ Designer. Instead, I started working as a Clerk /Secretary in the medical field. My last employer as a Supervisor was with a Department of Defense Contractor based in Los Angeles. I Retired in March 2006.

For years after leaving the nest, I visited my parents regularly. Their home was where all family members and friends gathered for Sunday dinners, important celebrations and holidays. After my retirement, my mother passed way May 3rd, the same year due to her declining health and age. Our family found closure as months passed, sharing many memories about her. After the first anniversary of her death, I told my siblings I needed to tell Mamas story. Her difficult young life and marriage, surviving World War II, a bitter divorce and deep concern about the welfare of her first seven children. Finally, she had a meaningful life with Peter in California and having four more children.

Nellie, a wife, mother and grandmother, exercised her right to be, for all the days of her life.

May I say, with the little experience I have in creative writing, much less authorship, in 2007, I started outlining bits and pieces on the laptop and this year, I completed Mamas biography. I hope my siblings and other kin will enjoy it and catch up on some family history. Other readers who finish the book might be inspired to write a story about someone special they want remembered.