From the Editor: November/December 2021

Gratitude is a year-round endeavor, but when Thanksgiving arrives, I’m reminded to express my appreciation more often. As the November days darken, one bright light is the staff of Literary Mama. If you haven’t before, please take a moment to look at our staff page. The 24 women listed there are the heart of Literary Mama. Month after month, they volunteer their time and energy to ensure that we continue to publish the best writing for and by mothers. 

We have all been through so much over the past year. Some of us have added to our families with babies or puppies, while others have faced the loss of parents or partners. Some have learned to let go as they ushered five-year-olds to Kindergarten or shuffled 18-year-olds to college for the first time. Others have struggled with lost jobs. And still others have had to reprioritize as they added new jobs and responsibilities to their already busy lives. Underlying it all is a pandemic that stresses everything we do. 

And yet, each day I open my inbox and read messages from these 24 women asking thoughtful questions, helping each other, stepping up when needed, offering praise, and simply getting the work done. They deserve much more recognition than this simple letter can offer, but I hope as you read the powerful poems, stories, reviews, and profiles in this issue, you’ll remember that it was a community that brought these words to the page. It’s a community that continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of the women behind the scenes. For them I am constantly, deeply grateful.

Amanda Jaros
Editor-in-Chief