HOMEworkWORKhome

by Gloria La Morte

Hey Paola, I read the blog!

I read her past entry and when she asked, who reads this anyway? I said, I do... It usually happens at 1AM when I try to write something as I wind down from putting my son Emile (2yrs/8mos) to bed. But as I put my ideas together, I end up falling asleep. Well I'm trying a little earlier this time. 

After a full day today Paola left the edit room about an hour ago. I still have some work left to do. I called my husband Joe who is home with Emile to touch base but we soon had to hang up because Emile woke up asking for a peanut butter sandwich (we haven't told him yet how great it goes with jelly). I told Joe I'll let him go but will call back soon...

At work, we have entered the Second Act with our on-screen family where Mariana has to get out there and find her way in order to feed her kids. With nowhere or anyone to go back to, she moves forward. As we cut her selling empanadas on the street, trying to find work as a day laborer or having to leave her kids alone for work, I can't help but notice that there are more and more "Marianas" that I encounter on the street... MAKING ENDS MEET is the stuff of today's headlines. There is a struggle out there, where millions of people try to cloth, feed and shelter their families in an epidemic that is visibly getting worse.

I don't take for granted the story that has been entrusted to Paola and I to shape and bring to life. I say "entrusted" because the moment that these characters stepped out of the script and onto the screen, they were no longer ours. They belong to everyone who has generously contributed their time, effort, financing and talents to the project.

I miss those moments when I'm not home to spread the peanut butter. But if I'm not there to do that, I can't imagine a better place to be than with Mariana, another mom working hard for her family. In no way can I compare our situations, and I wouldn't try to. But living between home and work, no matter what you do, is a delicate balance, a thrilling dance, and when they both fulfill you, an amazing gift. I am writing from a place of gratitude and appreciation. And if I can go further, hope. HOPE that everyone who is struggling and living for these two worlds finds them.