Friday, January 15, 2010

A Book Group Loss

I’ve spoken openly about the love I have for my book group.

In a time and place when I felt bleak, worthless, and despondent, my book group, on more than one occasion, saved me from the brink. Not to mention, fed my very limited intellectual soul.

These women, who I would want in my “Red Tent,” are priceless.

I lost one of my book group members last night. Peggy was a charter member of our book group. Seven years ago when we started our Band of Sisters, Peggy, Chris, Mary Ellen, Virginia and Jane all sat in my living room, among others who have fallen by the way. We were fledgling little chicks in the beginning, not knowing what books to read, where to meet, or most importantly, what refreshments we should bring! But we found our way.

We have read over 70 books in our 7 years – and none of our discussions would have been the same without Peggy. She had a sharp wit and a razor tongue -- like a good New Jesery girl, afterall. If she didn’t like a sentence, a theme, a book, she told you specifically. Similarly, when she loved a book, she didn’t save her feelings. Without her we wouldn’t have known about Helen Colijn (Song of Survival), who survived a Japanese prisoner of war camp with the help of her fellow sisters and a choir that brought joy during such bleakness. She loved Lisa See’s novels – her favorite being Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Of it she said, “I am fascinated by the Chinese culture & was intrigued by the concept of a secret "women's writing" as a creative means of feminine creativity in a harsh, male dominated world.”

Peggy was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in May. Her prognosis was terminal. She initially tried chemo to “buy her time.” But when chemo proved harsher for her than others, she stopped treatment and chose "quality over quantity." She lived the remaining months with her hair, but in much pain. Over those months, she only missed two book groups. Her bookish opinions were not dulled by the cancer ravaging her body. At a recent meeting, one of our members suggested reading The Shack. Peggy, having read the book before and in all her literary rage, replied, “I will not read that trash again!” Needless to say, it was voted down.

In the past week when we knew our time with her was coming to an end, one of Peggy’s last requests was that we book club members come read our book choice this month to her (People of the Book). It was not meant to be, as she was soon on morphine to keep the evil pain at bay. Yesterday I went to visit Peggy in her hospice room to tell her the book club was coming at 6pm to read to her. With my tongue firmly planted in my cheek (where Peggy’s often was), I told her, “Peggy, we are coming up here to read to you - - and we are reading The Shack, because we know it was your favorite book!” When we all arrived at 6:05pm, we were told Peggy had passed at 6pm. Leave it to Peggy to have the last word, and to prove to us how really terrible The Shack was as to choose death over us reading it to her.

I’m not sure book group will ever be the same without Peggy. But we will continue on, because Peggy would want us too. In April, I had her scheduled to pick a book (because I really thought that a book selection commitment would trump the cancer, silly me), so to honor her, we will read Lisa See’s latest novel, Shanghai Girls. In her last online review written in November, well into her illness, Peggy said, “Another Lisa See winner. Same cultural oppression, especially of women & working classes. I was not aware of the extent of the oppression the Chinese immigrants experienced from our government during the 1940's & 1950's; nor of the exploitation of their own people through the virtual bondage of the ‘paper sons’ practices. Interesting & enlightening.”

Peggy we hope to do the discussion justice without you – please help us out from your heavenly position, steer us in the right direction and guide us always. We will miss you.

19 comments:

Nicole Marsh said...

I hate cancer!! What a heartfelt tribute to Peggy. Thanks for sharing it.

jennie said...

this was a very dear tribute to a sweet woman. i appreciate you sharing how much peggy added to the dimension of the book group.

Jen said...

Such a lovely way to remember Peggy. I am sorry you missed the chance to say good bye. Love you Girl!

Laura at Library of Clean Reads said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura at Library of Clean Reads said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I enjoyed reading this post as you shared Peggy with us.

Kim said...

What a beautiful tribute! My condolences to you and your book group.

sylvia/ticklethepear said...

I'm so glad I got to know her a bit!

Julie P. said...

Thanks for sharing this with everyone!

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

What a beautiful post about your friend. My heart weeps as I read this. Our book group lost an original member last January to cancer. When you describe Peggy, she reminds me of Karen - strong opinions that made the discussions all the better.

I am sorry for your loss.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

My condolences to you and the rest of the book group.

Ti said...

Booking Mama sent me over. What a wonderful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss but I do agree with Peggy. The Shack was horrible! She obviously knew her books.

Celticlady's Reviews said...

I was sent over by Booking Mama as I follow her on Google. I had a tear when you described your bookclub and friend Peggy... very sorry for your loss...

Amused said...

What a lovely story. I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a friend is always so hard to deal with. What a sweet way to say goodbye. My condolences.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. The loss of a friend is so very hard. I lost a good friend three years ago (1/2)...still miss her.

Amy said...

I'm so sorry you lost your friend. I think I'll try the book she recommended..."Shanghai Girls" in her honor.

Booksnyc said...

I am so sorry for your loss - your post is quite a tribute to her and all she meant to your group!

Virginia said...

Wouldn't it be funny if Peggy eventually gets to teach William Paul Young the true nature of God? She would love telling him just how wrong he was! This is a really beautiful tribute, Melissa. You are a great friend.

Bonnie said...

I read about your post at Booking Mama. What a beautiful tribute to your friend Peggy. She sounds like a strong and wonderful friend. I've been in a book club 7 years and can only imagine how I would feel in your shoes. What an honor to read "Shanghai Girls" in her memory.

Unknown said...

Just found your blog today. So glad I did. These details are precious. I'll miss Peggy too. Thanks for the book suggestions, guess I'll have to participate long distance. Miss my Little Rock Book Club Ladies.