Twelve Weeks in Spring: The Inspiring Story of Margaret and Her Team

by June Callwood

Book by Callwood, June

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Toronto, 1985, a time when palliative care resources were few, friends of Margaret Frazer decided they would do whatever it took to keep her in her home for the remaining weeks of her life. The memories of this group, and in particular those of journalist June Callwood, integral in the formation of what they called "the team", make up a powerful and inspiring tale of four unforgettable months and the connections resulting when friends meet friends and every one of them offers the gift of time and energy and love.

[Erika Nerdypants · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering the heavyness of the subject matter, one could expect this to be a somewhat depressing book. On the contrary. This is the story of death and dying, but it is so much more. Margaret Frazer, a 68 year old single woman whose family lives far away is diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. On the spur of the moment, 60 people whose lives she had touched since her retirement as a schoolteacher rally around her for three months, and support and love her in her final weeks. The "Friends of Margaret" as they called themselves developed into a smoothly functioning palliative care team that concerned itself with so much more than just Margaret's physical needs. What is astounding is that this happened nearly 30 years ago, when no models for palliative care existed.
June Callwood takes extraordinary care in bringing the members of the team as well as Margaret to life, and she touches on many hard issues with a gentleness and a sense of humour that is unique to her writing. The narrative account of Margaret's last weeks restores faith in our human capacity to give to one another, and perhaps in the most important gift of all, accepting help when we need it.
As an aside, out of caring for Margaret developed the idea and implementation for Casey House, a hospice for people with AIDS in Toronto.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I'll never forget. It addresses a difficult subject area, but paints a portrait of the phenomenal love of a group of friends for one of their group who has a terminal illness. A true account by a great Canadian journalist and writer.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was very thought provoking and interesting reading. Having been with a relative as he passed on and with my mom over her long illness, I thought this book would be very helpful to someone who hadn't experienced the death of a loved one.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thoughtful book is not what it seems. It's much more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would recommend it. Looks like I'm not the only one, either.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Birth of Hospice in Canada

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read of loving companionship given to Margaret Frazer during the final twelve weeks of her life and gave birth to the hostel movement here in Toronto.

It is a wonderful story about how a group of friends of Margaret's provided her with homecare, enabling her to die peacefully and fully supported one spring.

it is a book whose story will always stay with me.

[Maureen :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

a tough subject but a great example of the difference people can make when they decide to help one another. makes a strong case for the need for palliative care....for everyone