Saturday, August 20, 2016

They Left Us Everything

They Left Us Everything by Plum Johnson


In this poignant, moving memoir, Canadian author Plum Johnson writes how her mother's death didn't bring the relief she so often longed for; instead, she's left with the pain of regret over what might have been.

The novel chronicles Plum's life as the only daughter of a staid, strict, and proper British father and a flamboyant, eccentric, outspoken American mother. Along with her brothers, Plum grew up with parents remarkably different in temperaments, separated for months on end, yet bound to one another with a resolute belief in their Christian faith and commitment to family. While Plum's father slowly succumbed to the agonizing effects of Alzheimer's, her mother remained spirited to the end, finally surrendering to the effects of old age, never revealing the deep, enduring love she had for her child

After her death, Plum discovers many treasures revealing the person behind the woman she never really knew or understood. As she and her brothers prepare to sell their beloved family home on a picturesque lake in Ontario, they begin the daunting task of sifting through the "pocket litter" left behind. They discover over 2000 personal letters, mementos, and keepsakes from the past that offer a snapshot into the complicated lives of parents who loved one another in spite of the extraordinary obstacles they faced.

Anyone who has cared for an elderly parent will relate to this inspirational story, written with warmth and humor. Candid and reflective, this well-written narrative will undoubtedly bring the reader to tears as the author describes her feelings of grief and remorse about the impasse she and her mother faced in telling one another their true feelings. So often we wait until tomorrow to ask questions about the past, to express love, to forgive.

Sometimes tomorrow never comes.




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