The Do-Over

by Sharon M. Peterson

I wanted to be unafraid to just be me.

“When life gives you lemons, give them back and ask for grapes. You can make wine with grapes.” —MIMI

“Dull women have immaculate homes. And, honey, I’m a terrible housekeeper.” —MIMI

“When she thinks someone needs her, she’s like a mosquito at a hemophiliac’s convention.”

“I’m not what most people would call beautiful. I’m too short and round and loud, and I know that. The thing is, I don’t care because I’m happy with who I am. If you don’t like yourself, if you can’t see the good parts, no one else will either.”