I am a working mother of two delightful boys. I enjoy this site because it sparks my creative juices and gives me an outlet in which I can indulge my love of writing.

I began writing in high school where I enjoyed editing the school newspaper. I went on to study Communications at Fordham University and received my Masters in Media Studies from New York University. Along the way I was on the staff of a small ethnic newspaper in the Bronx and wrote freelance for a local paper in Queens. Professionally, I moved away from writing, but I always leave open the possibility of returning to it. Helium provides me with a way to keep up my writing on my own terms.

I was already expecting my first child when I finished graduate school so my priorities shifted away from myself and onto my kids. I have no regrets. However, I have not left my hopes and dreams behind. I always loved writing papers for school, and with Helium I can continue my lifelong search for knowledge in the virtual world (usually after the kids are tucked in for the night!).

My passion is ...

my kids.

I know too much about ...

dirty diapers.

My parents always told me ...

that I can do or be anything I want to.

My childhood ambition ...

to grow up.

My favorite memory ...

family vacations in the Catskills.

Why I write ...

because it's who I am.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I enjoy reading writers' memoirs. The last I read was Mary Higgins Clark's memoir "Kitchen Priveleges"

My first job ...

at thirteen, was cleaning hairbrushes and sweeping hair at a beauty parlor.

My best moment ...

is yet to come.

My inspiration ...

my mom and dad.

Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Childbirth

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Months of anticipation and I had almost reached my due date. My mom had arrived that morning to help me out. The doctors said I could go at any time. I was puttering around the house when suddenly the phone rang.

"This is Laura from your employer's insurance company. I am calling to find out why you haven't been to work this week," a curt voice on the other end chirped. I quickly explained that my due date was tomorrow and I was ready to give birth at any time. "Yes, but did your doctor take you out of work? If not you are going to have a problem with your employer." I thought is ...

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• Creative Writing Bronze