Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey (12 page)

In 1946, the three of us at Audrey's wedding. Helen was the maid of honor and I was the bridesmaid, already dreaming of being next.

Audrey, Betty, Mother, and Daddy.

Public speaking, then and now: a 1963 Pan American Life Insurance Convention in San Francisco …

… and in 1998 as the Human Rights Campaign's national spokesperson.

Here I am with Vance. Look at the fifties fashions!

Young Vance, my precious firstborn.

Ellen at her first birthday—a star in the making

Little Ellen in her PJs—laughing from the start.

El with Mumsie—an early paparazzi shot!

Ellen in rain gear … She'll kill me!

Ellen with her beloved big brother, Vance.

My two innovative kids, clowning around in a makeshift RV.

With Ellen and Vance, around 1963, reflecting the stress we weren't talking about.

Here's Ellen—the emerging comedienne—on the beach in Pass Christian.