Hobart and William Smith Colleges

28 October 2011 Book by Van DeWater 79 Published

A new book by Ann Wipfler Van De Water 79, A Funny Thing Happened on the way to Commencement, was recently published by Bryson Taylor. Van De Water writes about the adventures of being a mom and her many experiences with her three sons.

She describes the ups, downs and experiences of her journey through motherhood. The book includes stories that make the reader laugh out loud as well as descriptions of moving occasions that bring tears to the eyes. Her honesty and humor about her chaotic life raising three boys-with tales of her breaking her leg, going into premature labor, having her front tooth knocked out by her son, and having her cornea gouged-generates an easygoing theme of acceptance. Her message is clearly, Its okay to laugh at yourself; you just have to roll with the punches.

I also want this book to be an inspiration for other moms. I want them to know what I have learned: that no one is perfect at this mom-thing, and thats okay! she says.

Van De Water married her college sweetheart, Wesley 78, and they had the three boys who inspired the book. She has resided outside of Buffalo, N.Y., for 30 years. She is a proud stay-at-home mom and enjoys singing, playing the piano, painting and writing.

While at William Smith, Van De Water majored in modern languages and graduated with high honors in Spanish. She was a member of Hai Timiai, studied abroad in Honduras, and worked in Saga.