MADELYN DAY

Writing comes naturally to me, often sparked by vivid dreams or while strolling with my loyal companions: Nina Mila Whitedog, a spirited Poodle/Maltese mix, and Teeny Tiny Tinito Cesar, a charming Italian Greyhound.

I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, before the advent of color television, freeways, air conditioning, the internet, and the civil rights movement. My early years took place in Laredo, before the streets were paved and digital life existed. Later, my family relocated to Caracas, Venezuela, during a period of civil unrest. While my siblings and I were fascinated by the sounds of distant machine-gun fire, my father locked us in the bathroom for safety. At the same time, he observed revolutionaries fleeing through open sewer lines, government troops close behind, each moment a striking page in Venezuelan history.

After eight unforgettable years, we moved again, this time to Mexico City. I attended the American School and later Universidad Iberoamericana, where I studied "Ciencias y Tecnicas de Nutrition" , and began my teaching career. I taught TOEFL courses to students preparing for postgraduate studies in the United States and trained future educators at two major universities. My bilingual skills led to interpreting and translation work for several government agencies, enabling me to make further contributions across borders and cultures.

Following the devastating Mexico City earthquake of the mid-1980s, I relocated to the United States with my children. I began working for Continental Airlines, a career that spanned decades and opened the world to my family. When Continental merged with United Airlines, I retired and eventually settled in Austin, Texas, to spend treasured time with my daughter and granddaughter. I enjoyed volunteering at my granddaughter’s school library, exploring life through writing, and continuing to share the joy of storytelling, one dream, one dog walk, and one book at a time.

After retiring from Continental Airlines, I continued serving my community through work with the U.S. Census Bureau and Child Protective Services in Colorado County. During that time, I also earned my Medical Assistant Certification and later worked as a home-based medical interpreter, combining my medical knowledge with my passion for language and service.

My love for learning and the natural world has taken many forms. I enjoy camping beneath the stars, tending to my garden, and exploring the cosmos through the lens of amateur astronomy. I contributed several articles to AstronomyToday.com and served as assistant editor for Chasing the Shadow, an online guide for observing asteroids.

In Austin, I continue to share my time and heart with the next generation, nannying and babysitting for local families and caring for pets while their humans are away. I have also worked in preschools and church nurseries, and have supported disabled seniors and young adults. One of my most meaningful roles was being a full-time caregiver for my parents, my father, who lived with dementia, and my mother, who battled Alzheimer’s disease.

As I like to say, “As long as children and pets run toward me instead of away from me, I must be doing something right.” My dear friend Lydia, now gone, was always amazed that even street dogs and feral cats would come to say hello to me when we passed them on our walks.

Before the pandemic, I actively rescued dogs, and a few kittens from kill shelters and brought them to Austin to find safe, loving homes. That mission remains close to my heart, and like so many things in my life, it is rooted in kindness, patience, and an open door for those in need.

Am I busy? Absolutely! Here's the reason: My father always said, "If you are standing still, you are moving backward." So my lifelong challenge is to stay in motion, frequently with a cup or two filled to the brim with strong Colombian coffee. ("If it ain't strong enough to zip your head around with the first sip, it ain't strong enough.")

Ben Franklin wrote: "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man (woman) healthy. wealthy, and wise."