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Setting Sail for Golden Harbor: A Humorous Memoir About the Final Years of Life
“If life must not be taken too seriously--then so neither must death.” The Victorian author Samuel Butler surely had it right. Why should there be any shame or hesitation in recalling the humorous moments provided by aging parents during the final miles of a life’s journey, especially when the humor in no way diminishes the affection and respect felt for a loved one? This book is about the author’s mother Nan and the moments, events, and utterances that made her simply unforgettable to those who knew and loved her. In this memoir, which speaks to all of us who have experienced the challenges posed by aging parents, laughter serves not only as an antidote to depressing reality but also reminds us that the deceased has lived, has amused, has warmed our hearts, and will remain alive through the memories of words said and actions taken during the final period of life.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 4, 2020
Whatever happened to Rosie-the-Riveter?
Well, she didn't go on to a long, well-paid career in airplane assembly, that's for sure. When the war ended, the men came back and claimed those jobs. "Thanks for helping us win the war, girlie. Don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out!"
This author's mother was a Rosie and like all the other girls, she went back to being a housewife after the war. Her situation was a bit different because she'd finally gotten up the nerve to leave her abusive first husband. After several years of supporting herself and her son, she remarried, but "H2" wasn't much better than "H1." In spite of that, the marriage lasted over a decade and ended only because her son was grown and was able to defend her. Why did this intelligent, hard-working, feisty woman put up with it?
It's hard for people today to understand some of the deeply-ingrained feelings that governed the lives of the World War II generation and previous generations. "Keep peace in the family." "Any husband is better than none at all." And the most important one of all, "Never air your dirty linen in public." Nan was the first person in her Italian-American family to be divorced. She endured decades of being denied Communion by her beloved church before rules changed and she was able to get an annulment. Her church hurt her many times, but she never lost her faith. Times were different.
Happily, she was proof of another old saying, "The third time's the charm." Her third husband Tom was a great guy, adored by both his wife and his step-son. Cancer took him too soon, but he left her with wonderful memories.
I've read many books by Baby Boomers writing about their parents and this is definitely one of the most outstanding. The author is a retired college English professor and the author of scholarly works. The writing is head and shoulders above most amateur family stories. He's also active in local theater and I'll bet he's in great demand, Like his mother, he has a fine sense of the dramatic , although he's more reserved than she was. Probably a good thing!
The book is divided into sections, highlighting the things that were important to Nan - clothes, interior decoration, travel, religion, and family. As a Boomer myself, the stories of Nan's life brought back many memories of my childhood and youth. If you're younger, I suspect you'll see Nan in your older relatives and in stories that your parents and grandparents have passed down.
There's some repetition because some of the stories and events fall into more than one "category", but I think it's worth it. There's simply so much humor and fun. Nan's exuberance, her energy, and her stubbornness must have been difficult to deal with at times. The author freely admits that he and his wife and children were embarrassed in public, but it's also clear that most people responded to her charm and outrageous personality.
His stories of Nan's last year will be familiar to anyone with older relatives. Hearing and eyesight fail you, but the loving support of family and friends softens the inevitable disabilities of old age. The author has written a fine tribute to his mother and a reminder to all of us to cherish those we love.
If you can read this book without laughing out loud, have someone check your pulse.
Well, she didn't go on to a long, well-paid career in airplane assembly, that's for sure. When the war ended, the men came back and claimed those jobs. "Thanks for helping us win the war, girlie. Don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out!"
This author's mother was a Rosie and like all the other girls, she went back to being a housewife after the war. Her situation was a bit different because she'd finally gotten up the nerve to leave her abusive first husband. After several years of supporting herself and her son, she remarried, but "H2" wasn't much better than "H1." In spite of that, the marriage lasted over a decade and ended only because her son was grown and was able to defend her. Why did this intelligent, hard-working, feisty woman put up with it?
It's hard for people today to understand some of the deeply-ingrained feelings that governed the lives of the World War II generation and previous generations. "Keep peace in the family." "Any husband is better than none at all." And the most important one of all, "Never air your dirty linen in public." Nan was the first person in her Italian-American family to be divorced. She endured decades of being denied Communion by her beloved church before rules changed and she was able to get an annulment. Her church hurt her many times, but she never lost her faith. Times were different.
Happily, she was proof of another old saying, "The third time's the charm." Her third husband Tom was a great guy, adored by both his wife and his step-son. Cancer took him too soon, but he left her with wonderful memories.
I've read many books by Baby Boomers writing about their parents and this is definitely one of the most outstanding. The author is a retired college English professor and the author of scholarly works. The writing is head and shoulders above most amateur family stories. He's also active in local theater and I'll bet he's in great demand, Like his mother, he has a fine sense of the dramatic , although he's more reserved than she was. Probably a good thing!
The book is divided into sections, highlighting the things that were important to Nan - clothes, interior decoration, travel, religion, and family. As a Boomer myself, the stories of Nan's life brought back many memories of my childhood and youth. If you're younger, I suspect you'll see Nan in your older relatives and in stories that your parents and grandparents have passed down.
There's some repetition because some of the stories and events fall into more than one "category", but I think it's worth it. There's simply so much humor and fun. Nan's exuberance, her energy, and her stubbornness must have been difficult to deal with at times. The author freely admits that he and his wife and children were embarrassed in public, but it's also clear that most people responded to her charm and outrageous personality.
His stories of Nan's last year will be familiar to anyone with older relatives. Hearing and eyesight fail you, but the loving support of family and friends softens the inevitable disabilities of old age. The author has written a fine tribute to his mother and a reminder to all of us to cherish those we love.
If you can read this book without laughing out loud, have someone check your pulse.
July 4, 2020
A touching, often wryly funny reminiscence about a topic which we are all destined to experience in one form or another — the inevitable physical decline of those we love and how this stirs our own thoughts about life and fate. The author’s affection for his mother permeates the book’s entertaining series of anecdotes and remembrances as she progresses toward the end of her long and interesting life. Written in a conversational style, this is not a long or overly-philosophical treatise on aging…just a sweet look back by a son who clearly loved and was often entertained by the company of his mom.
November 25, 2018
I just not enjoyed reading the book, but more than that, I felt that this book is actually a significant that any reader need to go through at least once (to understand what Life actually has to say). The presentation was thoughtfully done and I felt connected with the book instantly while reading further. This is a surely recommending read. Thank you.
January 2, 2019
Heartwarming!
I can only wish that one of my son’s can write about me the way John has written about his beloved Mother. The bond between mother and son in this memoir is truly heartwarming
I can only wish that one of my son’s can write about me the way John has written about his beloved Mother. The bond between mother and son in this memoir is truly heartwarming
June 8, 2020
Such a delightful book!!!
The love her son expresses says so much about the strong will and personality of Nan (who reminded me so much of my mother of the same era). Bravo for this loving tribute.
The love her son expresses says so much about the strong will and personality of Nan (who reminded me so much of my mother of the same era). Bravo for this loving tribute.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews