Good memories are worth writing down! Omaha native Rita wanted to preserve some of her life’s highlights for her children, grandchildren and future generations – so she set out to write a memoir. She began her journey as an author in 2017 when she first began documenting her happy memories – a Spelling Bee at City Hall, her first job as a fountain girl at an ice cream shop, the excitement leading up to her wedding, and the joy (and antics) of raising “my three sons”.
While Rita felt compelled to write about the good old days, she also was moved to write about the joy she was finding in
the present, as a resident at Via Christe. Rita adjusted quickly to the move to this senior living community, forming friendships with other residents and staff and participating in many of the social activities, including the annual Senior Prom. Rita was crowned “Senior Prom Queen” in 2016, and still smiles when she is called “Queen Rita” by all who know her.
In addition to the stories of her youth, parenting and fond times at Via Christe, Rita’s book also contains poetry she has written, letters to her grandchildren, and several pictures of Rita throughout the years. Dreamweaver Foundation met with Rita to collect her writing and discuss her vision for her book. A Dreamweaver volunteer painstakingly typed out Rita’s handwritten journals, and we used a professional publishing program to create 14 copies of her book for her family, friends, and the staff at Via Christe to enjoy. As if this book wasn’t already a treasure, Rita’s 8th grade report card, which she has held onto for all these years and is full of high marks, adorns the inside cover of this amazing, talented and sentimental lady’s book.
Dreamweaver Foundation would like to thank Via Christe for nominating Rita for a Dream. We would also like to thank our volunteer, Mary, for her help with this big project!
