I should write a book

"I should write a book!"

I've heard my mother say that more than a few times in my life. 

I should write a book.

It usually came up right after she'd finished telling us some story from her life. 

It might have been from her childhood,

Or maybe from when she was a young bride,

Maybe it was from just a week ago,

It didn't really matter. 

Whatever it was, it was entertaining and always very funny.

She'd finish up, laughing with the rest of us and then declare.

I should write a book.

My mother could tell a story. 

She was an entertainer at heart,

And you got the sense that she was enjoying telling the story,

As much as you were enjoying hearing it. 

Like any good comedian, she could read her audience. 

As she spoke, she'd be watching for reactions.

A quick smile or a stifled giggle,

That was all the encouragement she needed.

And she was relentless, 

Embellishing and emphasizing the parts that got a reaction.

Maybe adding a sound-effect or two.

Whatever it took.

She wasn't satisfied until the smiles and giggles turned into outright laughter.

Everyone laughing,

That was her goal,

Everyone.

Including herself.

I should write a book.

The statement itself is an acknowledgement,

She knew she was good,

She knew her stories were worthy of being recorded,

Printed and bound and preserved for others to enjoy.

She had a gift.

And what a gift it was; 

To be able to look at a situation, no matter how solemn or sober or even ordinary,

And see the humor, some sliver of silliness,

And then to be able to share it in a way that everyone else saw it, too.

What a gift - making people laugh,

Bringing them joy.

I should write a book.

Mom, I wish that you had.

I'd love to have something tangible,

Something to share with my kids and the generations to come.

Something to let everyone know about this remarkable woman,

Who, despite a life with more than its fair share of hardship, 

Never lost the ability to see and share its funnier parts.