I know that some of you might think this – but I promise, I didn’t forget about book club this month! I’ve been saving it for today…because today is
Jane Austen’s birthday! Happy Happy Birthday! I was pretty glad we choose to read Lizzy and Jane for our book club this month in honor of her. I wanted to read something fun and light – and while I’m halfway through the book right now – I’m not sure I would use the words “fun and light” to describe this one.
I know some of you are done reading it or past me, but I would love to hear your thoughts. I’ll tell you right now, this book has been a challenge for me. The cancer is a subject dear to my heart. This past month or so have been some challenging times for our family and I think – that maybe this wasn’t the right time to hear read about cancer too.
We lost my mother in law to cancer almost 3 years ago. She battled it about 10 years prior and was in remission. Or so we thought. It was tough. She was a fighter. She was one of my favorite people. If you knew her, she was probably one of your favorite people too! This book brought up so many thoughts for me.
Are we there enough? Are we doing what we can?
How do you show up?
I read the book Just Show Up a couple months ago and it’s really changed the way that I think about things.
I am not always good at showing up.
But I try. One day in my mother in law’s final week I brought the kids down for the day. (we lived about an hour away) She was not doing well and none of us wanted to admit it. I sat with her. I made her soup. I held her hand. I had 5 tiny kids at the time, and life was kinda crazy. But I will never forget stopping my life for a day and holding her hand. That is all she wanted. It was what we both needed.
I really love the food references. I’m beginning to realize something about myself too, that I hadn’t thought about until about the last year or so – I show my love through food. I think I always have, it’s just something I’ve thought about until recently. I am no where near a fancy chef like Elizabeth. But if someone is hurting, I make them (or buy them) food. The day after my mother in law passed I made lasagna. I made it for the family, I made it for the neighbors. I made bunch. When everyone was asking if they could bring us meals, I was in the kitchen making and preparing our own. I wish I could have meet Jane and Elizabeth’s mom – because she sounds just like someone I would look up too!
When people you love are hurting, do you show your love through food?
Do you use food as medium – like Elizabeth’s mom?
“Great writers and my mom never used food as an object. Instead it was a medium, a catalyst to mend hearts, to break down barriers, to build relationships.” Lizzy and Jane page 110
So…I’m still reading – I’m about half way though and still digesting this book bit by bit. It’s been such a hard one to read but something I’m really enjoying at the same time. I am nervous to see how Elizabeth’s relationship with Nick turns out. I’m really crossing my fingers that Elizabeth continues to make more meals for cancer patients. I wish I had her talent in the kitchen!
What have your favorite parts been so far? Is this a book close to your heart? Would you recommend it?
Have you finished the book and want more? I loved this post from Modern Mrs. Darcy that included an interview with the author!
