When I started this blog in 2007, I dedicated it to my father “who would have loved this new way of communicating,” but wrote my posts with my mother in mind as my primary audience. Both my parents were avid readers, especially of history, and they instilled in me a deep love of reading. They supported my book obsessions from very early on — we made weekly trips to the library; my father would buy me a new book when I finished another book in a series; gifts were almost always books; and there was always book talk happening in our household.
I was living 800 miles away when my father passed away twenty-four years ago, so it was at that time that my mother and I began to talk with each other on the phone every day. Our talks became our afternoon ritual, and over the years and despite the distance, our relationship grew closer and closer. Yes, we talked about the daily happenings of our lives, but we also shared long conversations about the books we were reading or had heard about. I called her my “reading buddy.”
So as my blog became an important part of my life, my mother joined in with me to write posts and share what she was reading. The blog became another way to communicate with each other about our shared love of reading.
Six days ago, my mother passed away. She was three weeks short of her 99th birthday and had lived a full and wonderful life. Her decline was swift and timed almost to perfection — my family had gathered together for our yearly reunion. She was thrilled that we were all together again, and we filled the first few days with our lively conversations and good food. When she became ill suddenly, we all took turns staying with her at night, and we worked together to make her as comfortable as possible during the day. She didn’t linger, and although none of us was with her at the moment of her death, she knew that she was surrounded by loving family.
My husband and I drove back home yesterday, and brought with us some of her books, paintings, and special treasures to remember her. All afternoon, I kept having these habit-urges to pick up the phone and call her to let her know we were home safe, to tell her what book arrived in the mail while we were gone. It’s going to be so different without her.
But, I know that I have been the most fortunate person on the planet to have such a loving mother/friend/reading buddy. And there are so many fun and wonderful memories to keep her alive in my heart, forever.
She loved the book blogging community, visited many of your blogs, and knew many of you by your first name. So as you write your posts and share your love of reading with all of us, please remember for a moment that you touch hearts in ways you might not be aware of…that your passion for reading brings joy to young and old…and that sharing a book is an act of love.
A Fondness For Reading 
So sorry to hear about your mum. She seemed like such a lovely lady.
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Thank you for your kind words, Paula. She really was a lovely lady.
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So sorry for your loss Robin. Your mother sounds like a very special person and an amazing mother, friend, and reading buddy. Sending you healing thoughts during this difficult time. I hope you’re able to find some comfort in books, reading, and the blogging community.
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Thank you for sending me healing thoughts, Jessie. I am missing her, but you’re right…I will find much solace in my books and reading. And there’s a lot of support and love from the blogging community which helps a lot.
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Heart overflowing. You had such a special relationship with your mother – both of you so, so fortunate!
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Thank you, Andrea. You’re right, we were so fortunate to have that special relationship, and although I’m going to miss her so much, I am grateful for the many many years we had to share life and books.
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I am sad to hear of your mum. How lucky you both were to have a close relationship. Interestingly, I find that the older we get, more easy people are to get along with. With age comes wisdom, perhaps?
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Thank you, Liz, for your kind thoughts. I definitely agree with you that with age comes wisdom. I appreciated my Mom’s wisdom, her sense of humor, and her strong life force. I’ll miss her, but she left me with many good books to read and many memories of her wonderful outlook on life.
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My sympathy as you say good-bye to your every day phone calls, your book chats, and your mom’s physical presence in your life. You were indeed blessed by her in so many ways and I hope those blessings and memories and love will continue to nourish your spirit.
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Thank you, Anonymous. You are absolutely right…I was so blessed by her and will hold her memory, and all those loving blessings, close to my heart.
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Robin, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I understand and know that your Mom will still be with you – checking over your shoulder what you are reading. Ha! Take care and big, big hugs.
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Thank you so much, Kay. I am so grateful for your thoughts and prayers, and your understanding. Big hugs and much love back at you!
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I suspect that not very many daughters and mothers talk on the phone every day. You were both so very lucky to have each other. I know how much of a void her death will leave in your life. Please know that so many of us care for you, and are thinking of you especially at this time.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Nan. They mean the world to me. Hugs.
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I’ve read this post twice and both times have had to stop and dry my eyes. You and your mom shared an extraordinary relationship and I know just how deeply she will be missed. I hope all the wonderful memories help to ease the pain during this journey of grief. Big hugs to you, dear friend. xoxo
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Thank you so much, Les. Your hugs and understanding help so much. ❤️
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