This is the house that Ana built.
This is the man with the laughing heart, who loved in the house that Ana built.
This is the girl who ate bowls of words, who grew from the man with the laughing heart, who loved in the house that Ana built.
This is the boy with his mother’s face, who followed the girl who ate bowls of words, who grew from the man with the laughing heart, who loved in the house that Ana built.
You are the souls who’ve been touched by grace, friends with the boy and the girl and the man, who ate and drank and hugged and loved in the house that Ana built.
This is the house that Ana built.
© Deborah Edler Brown 2001
Deborah Edler Brown 
This is exactly as I remember your house Deb. I loved every moment spent with you. It was magical in your house.
Thank you, Ruthann! It’s so wonderful to know you carry those memories with such love!
I loved this work! How true.
Thank you! 🙂
Just beautiful. She always made me feel welcome in her home. Love and light to you and your father and brother!!! ((hugs))
Thanks Felicia! hugs back to you!
It was the day I felt so special to be the first one to call you. It was the day I felt helpful and close to you. It was the day I belonged to your family and my contribution was important. It was the day I regret I missed the opportunity to know Ana. It was the day I was happy to be your friend. It was the day I wanted your family to be my family. It is a memory forever etched in my ethereal body to be carried with me even after I am no longer on this planet. The House that Ana Built is not just a memory. It is a prototype for those who wish to build something better. Thank you for giving me the privilege to express gratitude.
Oh An’Nisa…your words always land true and touch deeply. What a memory we share from that day, and from the weeks that followed. You are inextricably woven into this story, and I am so grateful. Thank you for your heart and your wisdom.
Deborah, God bless her soul – she was my West Coast mom and a beauty inside and out.
And it is such a joy to celebrate her with the beautiful hearts who remember. 🙂
Beautiful. I still remember the wonderful times I had in your home. I still love reading.
Bonnie! How good to hear from you. I often tell my reading students about my friend who turned into a crazy reader from watching “The Three Musketeers.” It’s proof of what the right story can do. Such good memories!