You’d think by now I’d be used to the rollercoaster emotions that goes with the publication ride I’ve been on for well over a year now.
But this week, the highest of highs met the lowest of lows, some 10 days out from ‘Launch date’.
Here’s what happened.
(Monday) — My mum, who has been very unwell for some time, slipped a little further, finally passing away that afternoon.
(Tuesday) At my Dad’s insistence (and him in the care of my brother), I flew down for a scheduled Simon & Schuster publicity meeting in Sydney. I’m not sure how, but I managed the pre-arranged recording of an author interview with Caroline Baum. (Caroline has worked as founding editor of Good Reading magazine, features editor for Vogue, presenter of ABC TV’s popular bookshow, Between the Lines, and Foxtel’s Talking Books, and as an executive producer with ABC Radio National.
I was a bit of a mess, and despite my day starting with sliced cucumber stuck with cellotape under my eyes to reduce puffiness (refusing to use the suggested movie star trick of applying haemorrhoid cream to my face!) the interview went well. As it turned out, the trip was a much-needed distraction in a difficult week. (You will see the results online on February 27 when the interview goes live. Be kind!!!! (BLOG UPDATE: Here is the You Tube link for that interview.)
Bronwyn Parry, who also suffered a sad loss prior to one of her book releases wrote to me, offering this advice…
Be kind to yourself; I was where you are now last year – grieving a parent, and preparing for a book launch. Cry when you need to, stroke your book and grin madly when you want to – and know that your Mum would be so proud of you.
I have taken that advice and I did find myself grinning madly after the interview on Tuesday when Caroline said House for all Seasons reminded her of a Maeve Binchy novel, and we talked about how both Monica McInerney and I love an eclectic cast of characters in our stories.
Back home that same day (pleased to find the dogs had held their water for the 6 hour trip) I rang Dad, then I logged on and found a tweet — Culture Street’s review of House for all Seasons – my first review! I promptly rang Dad back again. Thank you Sophia Whitfield.
(Wednesday) With emotions totally betwixt by now, I was further bowled over by the
overwhelming response from friends on Facebook to this photo of my mum holding House for all Seasons for the first time and reading the dedication. (I took this the Friday before she passed. I knew she was still with it because she made a joke about the book being heavy. (My Mum always loved her little pink Mills & Boons.)
This afternoon, the wonderful Annie Seaton and Marie Miller called around with flowers and hugs.
Tomorrow (Thursday) we get to say goodbye to Shirley Lewis – 02.09.30 – 18.02.13.
I am so glad my novel will be out on March 1 and with this dedication…
To the four women who have shaped my life.
Each as different as the seasons.
Jeannette ~ Kristine ~ Shirley
My partner in dreams ~ The wind beneath my wings ~ My mum
And to Pam Leicester ~ whose courage inspired Sara’s story
It’s the happy ever after you deserve. 
Thinking of you in kindness, I believe our mums will always warm our heart and fill the quiet moments with joy. May you always have beautiful memories xx
Jenn, what I would like to do is pay a tribute to you Mum Shirley!
We as families go back to being neighbours in the early 1960’s and our Mother’s becoming firm friends. We were playmates at times from what I recall also. My Mum Carmel has always talked about how grateful to Shirley as she was a saviour when Mum needed some help. Mum was pregnant with twins and having 4 children already aged between 8, 7, 6 & 5 and needed to take it easy during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Shirley would organise and clean etc. for her own family and see her children off to school and then come over and help Mum with anything that needed doing ie. washing, ironing, cleaning or cooking.
Over the years we moved and your family moved, however they always kept in touch. I drove Mum to Woolgoolga last year as Mum knew Shirley had been unwell and Mum just wanted to see her and your wonderful Dad Don again.
We had a lovely visit and Mum will always treasure the last time they got to spend together.
As Mum is in her 80’s she does a lot of reminiscing and she always has a special place in her heart for Shirley Lewis and her kindness all those years ago. She will never be forgotten as we all know what a kind heart she had!! We will be thinking of you all tomorrow. Gemma Kelaher xx
Gemma, how lovely. I am going to read this tomorrow to the family when we are all together.
Great…your welcome and make sure you give them all a big hug from Me!!
Gemma, we chatted at length about our years in Headland Rd. The day was hard but we found reasons to smile and laugh. Not sure the Crematorium staff have ever seen six people standing in a circle and singing and dancing and smiling. That’s the Lewis family!!!!!!!!
Sounds like about a lovely send off and I am sure your Mum would of loved seeing your all like that, as we really celebrate their life.
I read your blog and my reply from last night to Mum and she had a few tears. She will keep in touch with your Dad as the phone is her lifeline. She seems to do a lot of counselling to her friends as she is always a shoulder to cry on. So if you need one she is always one to lean on also. All our love Gemma xx
ohmygosh Jenn. Thinking of you right now and sending a big hug. I’m sorry about your Mum…. I’m happy for the wonderful things that brightened your week. It’s a crazy time for you but I know your mother would be SO proud! Lovely to read Gemma’s comment above about your Mum and how much her actions meant. Huge Hug. Anna xx
Aw JEnn – my thoughts are with you! I lost my gran just AFTER my book was published and we were immensely close (she half-raised me), so I understand your highs and lows. I can tell by that photo how proud your mum was of you and I’m sure you have loads of special memories to cherish forever. Look after yourself. xox Rach!
Nothing to say to that Jenn except sympathies. That dedication has me all teary.
xx
Lily
Jenn, I’m so sorry for your loss. How incredible that your mum was able to witness your well-earned achievement just before she passed. I wish you all the best.
What a wonderful comparison for your book, Jenn. Your Mum would be so proud. I’m sure she was and is. Thinking of you as you go through this rollercoaster of a time. I hope you can feel her with you through the good parts, even as you mourn her loss through the hard parts. Wish I was closer.
Dear Jenn,
My sympathy – but yes, as Bronwyn said, your mum would be so proud. Be kind to yourself and enjoy your memories and your book. Love Rae
Big hugs. The photo with your mum is beautiful.
Oh, Jenn – I’m so sorry about the loss of your mum. My thoughts are with you. xo
Jenn, so very, very sorry. I was having lunch with my own 80 yr old mother yesterday and telling her about the photo and we both had a tear. So wonderful that you got to share the joy of publication with her and she would have been happy knowing her little girl (because we all still are) had achieved her dream.
Oh Jenn, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum. The photo of you two together is absolutely lovely. Thinking of you.
Nene
Thinking of you today as you farewell a special lady…
Jenn, just caught up with your blog and wanted to send my love and sympathy for the loss of your dear mum. xx
So glad your mum got to hold your book Jenn, she must have been very proud of you.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sympathies x
Jenn, so glad that you’ve found things to smile about in remembering your Mum at the funeral and that your day went as well as it could on Tuesday. Gemma’s memories of your mother are a lovely tribute to her. My mother, who ‘knows’ you through your comments on my blog, sends her condolences and thoughts. We’re both looking forward to reading House for all Seasons – I’m haunting the bookshops here already, just in case it comes in early! Hugs to you and Jeanette.
A beautiful post, Jenn. It is a time of such highs and lows, but you’re navigating your way through them with grace and strength.
My Mum’s stolen House for all Seasons on the grounds I’m too busy to read right now and she loves it. I’m awake at 5 am so I can keep reading Amber’s story so your words are resonating strongly up in here in Brisbane and I adore your cast of secondary characters. (Now what did I say about it reminding me of Monica Mc??)
Sending more cyber hugs to you and Jeanette from me, G and Z.