|
Cindy Kelley | Moments and Memories
September 12, 2013
I stood in the middle of sixty acres this past weekend, in a meadow surrounded
by pine trees and beautiful mountains. I wasn't there to hike, picnic or camp. I
was there to see my only son marry the love of his life under a simple arch made
from birch trees. His bride, on her father's arm, had a long walk down their
makeshift aisle of wildflowers and we all had time to glance from his beaming
face to hers – which was radiantly happy. In mere seconds, I had thirty
years of memories of my son rush through my head. The day he was born, learned
to walk, ride a bike – first day of school. Moments at Christmas and
Easter Egg hunts, skinned knees, failures and triumphs and the day he called to
say he'd found ‘the one'. While my husband and I watched them exchange vows, I
filed away another memory to call up at will – taking it for granted that
I can replay those special events time and time again whenever the spirit moves me. It was in that moment that I had a rush of sympathy for Mercy, the protagonist
in the new novel, TRACES OF
MERCY, I co-authored with Michael Landon, Jr. Mercy doesn't have the luxury
of calling up special memories – because due to a head injury, she has no
memory of her past at all. In fact, everything and anything that is personal to
our main character has been erased – including her own name. Her history
is a blank slate; the day she wakes from a coma is the first day she can
remember. In essence, she has lost an entire lifetime and can't do anything
about it. TRACES OF MERCY begins
at the end of the American Civil War and the research we did about the time
period, as well as Mercy's amnesia, was extensive. But beyond the medical
knowledge and the realistic ramifications of Mercy's memory loss – we
found ourselves asking one main question: What are we if not the sum of our
memories? How big a part does our memory play in our day to day lives? How
do we form an opinion if we can't remember events, people - experiences? As the
authors of the story and the creators of Mercy's problem, we talked at length
about how she would, or should, react to certain situations. And like all good
story tellers, we tried to put ourselves in her place and her actions and
dialogue were born from there. I think we created a character that is real;
someone flawed, scared, angry, happy, and like the rest of us, unsure of what
her future holds. Though I always felt sympathy for Mercy while writing her
story, I have to admit that her loss never really hit home for me until I was
standing in that meadow a few days ago, letting my own memories flood me with
images and emotions I wouldn't trade for anything. Comment today to win a Quilt Bracelet, a copy of TRACES OF MERCY, plus Rose
Fuzzy Bath Tablet. US addresses only
Comments
34 comments posted.
Re: Cindy Kelley | Moments and Memories
Sounds like a great story idea. What are we without our memories. Am looking forward to reading this book.
(Carol Woodruff 4:13pm September 11, 2013)
Enjoyed reading your post. Can't imagine not having memories and being able to remember what has happened in my life. Look forward to reading this book.
(Jean Patton 4:38pm September 11, 2013)
I love your post. Beautiful memories, beautiful thoughts. I watched a son get married nearly one year ago so I know what you mean about things coming back but I also have a favorite aunt in a nursing home that has lost memories or can't keep memories straight and it is so sad to me. Things loved ones did or the loved ones themselves, gone from her memory. I would love to read about Mercy and what she goes through. Thank you!
(Melanie Backus 4:54pm September 11, 2013)
Sounds like a lovely wedding. I'm looking forward to reading the book.
(Rita Wray 5:49pm September 11, 2013)
You bring up some great questions and it would be interesting
to see how you handled them in your books. It sounds very
interesting and thought provoking.
(Larena Hubble 6:26pm September 11, 2013)
I really enjoyed reading your post today, and how all your fond memories of your son flooded your thoughts at his wedding. Where do the years go? My three sons are grown now, and I often think of the days when they were small and wish I could have those years back again. I wasn't aware that Michael Landon Jr. was an author. It must be very exciting to co-author a book with him. I look forward to reading this book which sounds interesting, and one I know I'll enjoy!
(Linda Luinstra 6:41pm September 11, 2013)
This book really sounds intriguing. I like the amnesia plot. And your son's wedding sounds so special!
(Marcy Shuler 7:07pm September 11, 2013)
The Civil War is my favorite historical read. I just love exploring this era.
(Kai Wong 9:42pm September 11, 2013)
This sounds like a really good book. I'd hate to lose all my memories, that would be horrible!
(Martha Lawson 9:55pm September 11, 2013)
Congratulations on the addition of a Daughter-in-law!! It sounds like the Wedding was beautiful!! What you said is so true that we are the sum of our memories. Your book is something that I would love to read, because I suffered a fall a little over 3 years ago, which resulted in some memory loss. I've been working at trying to regain it bit by bit, but it's hard work!! I know this book would strike a chord with me, and perhaps bring comfort at the same time. Thank you and Michael, too, for writing this book!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:06pm September 11, 2013)
I can't imagine being without my memories. I'd like to read this book.
(Sue Farrell 11:24pm September 11, 2013)
I really enjoyed reading your blog post about the idea for your co-authored book. What a wonderful story it is I'm sure and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for this chance to win, hope I do. God Bless You Both Always.
(Esther Somorai 11:51pm September 11, 2013)
I'll not only have to read this, but tell a friend who is
particularly interested in stories involving amnesia. Thanks!
(Mary Ann Dimand 7:41am September 12, 2013)
really sound like a good book i cant wait to read it
(Denise Smith 8:22am September 12, 2013)
I love reading about hte Civil War and this book sounds so interesting. Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 8:55am September 12, 2013)
You had me at Civil War...
(Richard Proctor 9:58am September 12, 2013)
Wow. That sounds like a great story. I can't imagine not having all my memories. They are so integral to who I am and I would be completely lost without them.
(Pam Howell 10:05am September 12, 2013)
I love the main character's name, Mercy. I can't even begin
to imagine how hard it must be to have amnesia. It sounds
like a beautiful story!
(Maria Proctor 10:08am September 12, 2013)
This book sounds great! Love that era and I can sympathize with Mercy. I lost three days memories when I was very ill and never got them back. Sometimes I try but it's been five years and nothing so I imagine they are just gone. But, at best it's frustrating and even at first scary. Looking forward to reading this.
(Ann Martinisi 10:16am September 12, 2013)
Looking forward to reading it!
(LeeAnne Hardin 10:26am September 12, 2013)
Excited to begin reading!
(LeeAnne Hardin 10:32am September 12, 2013)
I enjoyed learning about your writing and your novel which is
intriguing and lovely. What a beautiful setting for your
son's wedding. Yes, they do grow up so quickly.
(Sharon Berger 10:33am September 12, 2013)
This story sounds really good and honest. We are close to
nothing without our memories, just an empty shell going
about trying to find our way. I have tried to not take
things for granted, but have never thought about memory. I
have watched movies and shows about how people have amnesia,
but I've never made the connection before to not take it for
granted. Now that I've read this, I will keep it in mind. I
hope to be able to read this story. It sounds wonderful and
inspirational.
(Meghan Anderson 11:07am September 12, 2013)
Your son's (and daughter-in-law's)wedding day sounded beautiful. And ythe book sounds fantastic. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. But even if I don't win, I plan to get it to read - because it sounds like a real winner. Best of luck with it!
(Nancy Reynolds 11:40am September 12, 2013)
The book has a great story to tell. I can't imagine not remembering my loved ones and the many events that have taken place in my life.
(Anna Speed 11:43am September 12, 2013)
Our memories are so very precious! Often, we give no thought to our memories, knowing they linger in our mind and on our heart. The loss of something so precious and defining would be devastating! I look forward to reading Mercy's story in this wonderful novel. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win!
(Britney Adams 5:24pm September 12, 2013)
Prairie meets romantic cowboy ~ an awesome duo + goodies to boot! Count me in and thanks!
(Susan Coster 5:59pm September 12, 2013)
I love reading books that have an element of history in them. The memory loss sounds like a good story line, too. I am such a sentimental person that I would hate to lose all my memories (not that I'd know what I'm missing, I guess!)
(Juli Lear 6:23pm September 12, 2013)
This sounds like a great historical fiction story set in the post-Civil War. I haven't read anything with a character having memory loss before. Our memories are special to each of us. Looking forward to reading this book.
(Rich Cook 6:50pm September 12, 2013)
Enjoyed your blog, book sounds great. Somethings are better left forgotten.
(Sheila True 7:19pm September 12, 2013)
The book sounds really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Becca Luman 8:07pm September 12, 2013)
Sons and weddings. My son came to me 6 years ago and announced that he was getting married in less than a week. He was 23 and my first thought was that he was too young. My second thought was that he was legally an adult. My third thought was that he was on his way to Iraq and might not survive. And the entire time I was thinking, "Be cool, be cool, be cool." In the next 5 days, we assembled family members, lined up the church, ordered the cake, got the dress, his buddies relayed his dress uniform down from upper New York state to DE, and his wife allowed me the honor of being bossy enough to make sure they had a wedding with pictures. Four years later, my daughter got married on the same day. And did I mention that it was the day after OUR anniversary? Yes, those memories are a powerful thing. I am blessed to have them.
(Marcia Berbeza 10:53pm September 12, 2013)
I loved all the comments -- thanks so much for taking the time
to read the post and give your thoughts!
(Cindy Kelley 3:03pm September 17, 2013)
Sounds fabulous.... will certainly have to read this one
(Gina Keitz 3:32pm September 19, 2013)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
| 
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy