Terra Orndorff

Elizabeth. Liz. Lizard.

Abuse. Marriage. Divorce. Loss.

Love. Strength. Support. Laughter.

Everyone believes their mothers to be untouchable pillars. Mine truly embodied that. Throughout my life she stood strong. Supporting me. Guiding me. Teaching me not through words but actions. I think about our life together, even the not-so-great parts. It reminds me how incredibly she stood. She was firm in her footing, like a leopard guarding her only cub. The stories here are products of stories I have been told or lived. I can speak to accuracy for the events I experienced, but not the events I didn’t.

I have written this book many times since Mom’s passing. Each time unsatisfied. My hope is healing. For me. For my kids. For those that thought they knew her and did. For those that thought they did but had no idea. For anyone just looking for hope to hold on to.

Some names will not be changed. Some names will be changed. I warn, however, that identity is likely not hidden as context says everything the name may not. I read somewhere once; if you don’t want to be the villain in someone’s story, don’t be a villain in their life. Not everyone held that same belief.

My mom was and remains the calm in the storms and the solid ground holding my roots steady.

Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

John Lennon, and also – likely – Elizabeth Graham