Book of D: "Mildred Pierce," "Stella Dallas," & "Imitation of Life"

All these novels became classics. All similar yet different. The poignant theme tells of ungrateful daughters, breakfast foods, and rags-to-riches archetypes who end up paying a cost. Although each movie takes place in a different year and place, each one is obviously affected by the Great Depression where poverty is the baseline. Each tells of the love a mother has for her child. Or rather, the love that a good mom should have for her child. Actually, in the three stories, the daughters fail miserably to prove worthy of their mother's boundless love and devotion.

* "Mildred Pierce" (1941) was written by a man: James M. Cain. Anyway, the heartbreaking ending to "Mildred Pierce" reminds me why I opted out of motherhood. 

* "Stella Dallas" (1923) was written by Olive Higgins Prouty. Prouty wrote "Stella Dallas" as a way to cope with the death of her three-year-old daughter who died of encephalitis in 1923. Prouty was the benefactor to the indomitable Sylvia Plath until Plath died in1963. Prouty's novel, "Now, Voyager" inspired Plath's "The Bell Jar."

* The novel "Imitation of Life" (1933) was written by Fannie Hurst. Hurst's novels were beloved by her readers despite the fact that the pundits criticized Hurst for relying too heavily on stereotypes. Ughhh. The critics were men (ghastly, insecure little men).

     Anyway . . . I tried to process the relationships of each respective mother-daughter duo, and it reminded me of the sublime relationship I had with my own Mom. I was grateful that my Mom never had to fight for my love and attention; at least I don't think she did. If she did, that's my cross to bear. I never had to fight for my Mom's love and affection. Till the day she died, I knew where I stood with my Mom. She always showed me love; as I showed for her. She had respect for me; as I did for her. Mom had a fierce protective nature toward me; as savage as what I had for her. She had a love that was fierce and awesome; I hope she saw how mine was, too, for her. Mom told me she saw me as a strong person and that she relied on me to be strong for my siblings knowing her time on this earth was fast approaching the end. I didn't mind honoring her request back then; I still don't. I won't lie, it was the hardest request I've ever had to honor. I hope I did it right.