My Mother's Coat

Maya posing in my mother's coat

My mother died in 2005, and every time I go on a walk around the hill, every time I talk to my daughter in a certain way, I think about my mom. She was the sweetest, most conciliatory person I've ever known. Why am I not more like her? Why did I have to take after my father?... but that's another story.

Yesterday, I found myself working madly on a story/video about my mother's coat. Later, my brother left me a message reminding me of the anniversary of our mother's death, (1/19), which I'd completely forgotten about. After work, I rushed home to light a yahrzeit candle and to finish her story.

When my mother died she left behind a number of her coats. Most were given to Goodwill, but one remained and it's been hanging in my closet, giving me trouble, ever since. If you, dear reader, have any idea what I can do with it, please leave your suggestion. Otherwise, keep in mind, this is no ordinary coat—it has a story. Here it is: