Senior writes book of memories as youth for future generations
Ann Brown grew up in a small Saskatchewan town like so many people of her generation.
The similarity with her generation ends there. When Brown was 12 and her sister Helen was nine their mother died. Brown, her sister, and one brother were left with their father, the village blacksmith in Aberdeen, Sask.
A former Central Butte resident, Brown has piles of memories from those days. About four years ago she began jotting them down with the idea of writing a book for the family.
Just over a year ago “I thought I’d better get going. I’m 80 now. If something happens to me no one will ever know. It will all be gone.”
She contacted a Regina publisher who wanted to see 40 pages before making a decision, with publication not until sometime in 2018.
“That wasn’t fast enough for me.” With encouragement from her husband Fred who “wanted me to do it proper” she got Friesen Press of Victoria to publish the book, called Goodbye Mom.
“I did it for my kids and grandkids so they would know.” A grandson with interest in the family history was another motive. The book was released at a family reunion in August as a surprise. “They were amazed.”
Since then she advertised in a seniors’ paper and sold copies across the Prairies and B.C. “I get letters from them telling me they relate to it.”
Small town life from church, hauling water, school, pool halls, trains, house cleaning to playful calamities make up parts of the book.
Her favourite story, about a Father’s Day gift, also represents a life lesson in thoughtfulness.
Her father, like many small town businessmen, had many uncollected bills from well-to-do customers. Brown treats them charitably: “We just hope that their money made them happier than making life easier for Dad.”
Helen and Ann fought a lot but had a close relationship, particularly in adulthood. “She was like a daughter to me. “When I think about it it was unreal to lose your mother at nine. Twelve was bad enough.”
Throughout it all, her faith maintained their spirits, the hope for a better life. The book is available from Brown at 306631-3718. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net