"Becoming Myself: A Passage of Grace" by Sara Munday (Amazon.com, $21.28) Local resident Sara Munday recently published her memoir. Carol Osborn was on hand to find out more about her latest venture.

Q:

Sara, you have held a variety of interesting jobs, raised three children, supported Gerald as a minister’s wife. What inspired or motivated you to write your life story at this point?

A:

It really was never meant to be a book. How many times have I wondered what my mother could have shared, but she’s no longer here. I wanted to write for our children and grandchildren. At the same time, the book preserves the past. It was important for them to know what my life was like growing up.

Q:

In an age of increased impersonality and electronic “sound bytes” I see “Becoming Myself” as a deeply personal love letter-a letter of forgiveness to both your mother and your father, and a letter of love to Gerald and other family members. Do you agree?

Munday A:

I agree. As I wrote, this was a unique opportunity to be so connected to those about whom I was writing. I felt compelled to say what my heart was saying, and the facts just grew.

Q:

What are some of the most important elements of your book that you hope people will take away?

A:

I grew up in a GOOD time. We were as patriotic as I have ever known this country to be. We had little material wealth, but our riches came in associations and sharing with neighbors. We knew each other at a deeply personal level. At long last I know the true grace of an extended family, the village of which I was a part.

Q:“

Becoming Myself: A Passage of Grace” – can you explain the title?

A:

In the preface, I mention the old lady in her nineties. She used to say, “The older I get, the more like myself I become.” What wisdom! Now that I’ve gotten older, I feel I am perhaps more honest, no role playing, and I like the person I have become. As for the “Passage of Grace,” how could it be anything but? So many people have loved me in spite of myself.

Q:

When talking about your mother, you said, “It occurs to me that there are people who appear to ride the crest of the wave all the way through life, never wanting or needing anything; they already have it. Then there are those who bring so much potential to life, and somehow it all gets used up by the folks nearest to them; still they live and give with such grace.” Sara, how like your mother are you?

A:

(Smile) How much like my mother? Well, I grew up hoping I would never be like my mother, yet I think I am like her in many ways.

For example, sometimes I don’t have opinions on things. As a minister’s wife living in a parsonage, I learned to live with what was provided. And yes, sometimes kicking and screaming, I have been pushed to the crest of the wave. And sometimes it was even wonderful fun. Still I knew Granny taught us to do what was expected and not to draw attention to ourselves.

Q:

How does your experience with your father’s alcohol addiction parallel the same issue today?

A:

Things are better now, but for a long time, I was so uncomfortable even when a person had a glass of wine at dinner. My grandmother taught me that my father was a drunk. My pain came from missing my dad. I did everything I could to get his attention. Remembering that time was so painful; I cried as I wrote. I recalled that my father had disowned me, but I discovered through my very emotional search that he had reclaimed me, and I could finally put my bitterness to rest. I wanted to be transparent in this book. I was determined not to write damaging things about people unless I had resolution in my own heart and mind.

Q:

Sara, each time I reread a chapter, something else impresses me. In one reader review, you were called a “Steel Magnolia.” Another reader loved the memories of a bygone day, and another praises you for your absolute candor in sharing your struggles and fears. What make you most proud about this book?

A:

Proud about the book? I hope that I have given credit enough to the people who were so dear to me. It’s been an opportunity to talk about people who might never have been remembered.

Q:

What did you most enjoy about writing your autobiography, and which parts were the most difficult for you?

A:

I enjoyed re-living those days; just the contact with those people was joyful and this showed throughout the book. I think probably the most difficult time was as a teenager. I thought of myself as different. My father’s drinking was an issue. We lived with my grandmother, and there was a constant source of tension between the two. I struggled with inferiority. Of course, Mike’s illness and death and Gerald’s illness at the same time were very difficult. But writing has allowed me the freedom to become the person I am today.

Q:

What are you currently reading?

A:

I just finished “The Help.” I was so intrigued by the story, and again, relived my growing up time.

Q:

Any plans for another book?

A:

I don’t have any, but it would be fun to do it again.

To attain your copy of “Becoming Myself: A Passage of Grace,” from the publisher, RoseDog Books, drop by the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church bookstore or shop online at Amazon.com. There are many aspects of the book that weren’t discussed in the Q&A.