Mother Mirth

Washington Monthly, May, 2003

Thank you for the warm memories you brought back with Elizabeth Austin's article about Jean Kerr ("Giving Mirth," March).

I read Kerr first in high school, reread her as a young married, re-reread her as a young mother and fledgling suburbanite. While my one child couldn't compare with her brood, my son's escapades made up for in quality what hers accomplished in quantity.

My favorite bit of Kerr is the story of the dinner party where she found herself in a dress made of the same fabric as her hostess' drapes and the dog ate her earring.

I am digging into my bookcases later to uncover my very worn copies of Please Don't Eat The Daisies, The Snake Has All The Lines, and Penny Candy. That should make for a very pleasant evening.

INGER GIRE
via email

I loved the sentiments expressed in this article. Jean Kerr's portrayal of motherhood reminds me of my mother, who despite her occasional grumblings and gripings, claims she has no regrets becoming a full-time homemaker. I'm grateful for that.

I admire my mother, for her ability to laugh and to take pleasure in what she does, and for telling me that motherhood isn't all that bad--it has its moments.

PETRA GIMBAD
via email