Melissa McDaniel
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This is a book about relationships. It's the tale of one woman's slow awakening to what she's done to herself in allowing her relationship with her overly possessive mother to dictate the course of her life. It's about the mother whose manipulation pushed her daughter into marriage with a man she did not love, the husband who is a victim of that union, the precious children who suffer but eventually thrive, and the handsome southerner who sets the change in motion.
Anyone who has ever resented a parent's manipulation or, even once, thought about leaving a marriage will find Sheila's dilemma a compelling one. Harried career women. sandwich generation moms, and anyone wondering how they strayed so far from their real selves will identify with Sheila's long-repressed spirit as it embarks on the slow dance of connecting with the person she once was.
First time author Melissa McDaniel holds two degrees from Northwestern University. She taught secondary school English, theatre and public speaking before joining the Development and Alumni Relations Office at her alma mater. In 1989 she was named the executive director of the Northwestern University Alumni Association, a title she decorated with several national awards for excellence in writing and fundraising.
McDaniel later relocated to Florida to pursue her writing. When she's not hiking the mountains of North Carolina or watching for manatees on the Santa Fe River, McDaniel can be found relaxing with her husband and two dogs at her Gainesville home.
Funeral number one is underway. Dan is delivering a eulogy on their mother's behalf. Sheila had considered saying something, but nixed the idea when it occurred to her that the audience would detect an undertow in whatever remarks she'd make. As big brother does the honors she silently addresses the body in the open casket. I never did have it out with you, Mom. I thought about it but you were so ill I felt I'd be bullying you. I hope along the way you realized the role you played in the demise of Charles's and my lives. I thought my anger would die with you, but I'm still mad. You may be gone but the consequences of always having to do things your way live on. Charles is a victim. I'm without my son and daughter and they are little ones without their Mommy. Sheila looks around at the women in the room. Mothers everywhere, please recognize the power you have to misshape the lives of your children. Don't tweak at their devotion until they have no choice but to surrender to your will. Let them script their own lives otherwise, when you die, an ugly part of you will live on as they face the mistakes they made to keep your love.
As the service ends Sheila wonders, What was it about my own make-up that made me so blind to your ploys? Why couldn't I see you manipulation for what it was? Would a sister have seen it and clued me in, or would she have been under the same spell? Oh Mom, what a powerful, awesome thing your love was for me, and for Dan, too. It was the must fabulous yet dangerous attachment either of us will ever know.
The service concludes and friends come forward to extend condolences. Warmed by the love in the room, Sheila and Dan begin to smile. The first leg of Mom's two state funeral is over. This is Friday; her Richmond Heights wake is Monday, and the service is Tuesday. They have the weekend to relax before facing the finale.
