I felt this amazing connection the first time I met my late mother-in-law (she was in the hospital in traction for her back). Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I loved her son (and still do). Perhaps it had something to do with the fact she asked me to call her Mom.
The second time I met her, I knew why we’d hit it off so well, why I felt that instant bond with her. She was a booklover! Indeed, the moment I walked into her house, I fell in love with her. One entire wall of her living room was a bookshelf. I’m not talking fancy wood cabinets. I’m talking huge metal things, strictly utilitarian, to hold her massive collection. These books were piled three deep and three high. There were also piles beside it on the floor and another stack on the kitchen table (she also had a problem with her To Be Read pile taking over her house). And she read EVERYTHING! She introduced me to Nora Roberts and Lavyrle Spencer and so many authors I hadn’t yet read.
My mother-in-law is gone now but I still, to this day, want to call her and tell her about a new story I just love or a new author I’ve found. And isn’t that the most amazing thing about reading? Sharing your love of books with someone else?
Happy reading!
Marie
What a nice story. Thank you for sharing it. It reminded me of my mother who also loved reading.
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing
Micole Black
Hey Maire,
ReplyDeleteCreative topic and so well known to many! I have quite a a few friends that we connected right away because of reading and writing. That's probably why I'm always reading this blog!!!
I also have "coffee" friends. We meet to talk almost solely about books and such. Our friendships tend to go further and that's a great thing.
Micole & Dawn, thanks so much for your kind words. I wrote this blog because I've been thinking about my mother-in-law a lot, always do when I'm elbow deep writing a story, knowing how much she would have loved it (even if it was the worst thing she'd ever read). She was my biggest fan, even when I didn't know thing one about writing. I will admit, I "talk" to her, especially when I've written myself into a corner (which is all the time!). Believe it or not, it helps.
ReplyDeleteI also thought people would understand how sharing a love of stories can bring lasting friendships, at least it has for me. I've been lucky and I count my blessings every day.
Marie