She Was Like A Wound Beneath An

Kids Chase The Love That Eludes Them.

Tell Me About Your Family," I Said. And So She Did. I Listened Intently As My Mother Went Through Each Branch Of The Tree. Years Later, After The Funeral, Maria Had Asked Me Questions About The Family - Who Was Related To Whom - And I Struggled. I Couldn't Remember. A Big Chunk Of Our History Had Been Buried With My Mother. You Should Never Let Your Past Disappear That Way.

I Made The Wrong Choice ," I Whispered. My Mother Shook Her Head. "a Child Should Never Have To Choose.

I Asked Myself, 'am I Going To Withdraw From The World, Like Most People Do, Or Am I Going To Live?' I Decided I Am Going To Live - Or At Least Try To Live - The Way I Want, With Dignity, With Courage, With Humor, With Composure.

But You Grab A Moment, Or You Let It Pass.