Dream Book Tour: Canada Book Signing-check!

“Auntie, what time is it?”

Leaning down, I grabbed my vibrating phone. “It’s 6:45. Did my phone wake you?” I asked, as it buzzed for the umpteenth time.

“Why does it keep buzzing?”

“Come lie with me, the article about Mamãe’s book came out today and everyone’s texting me.”

Hopping out of her matching single bed, Miss M made her way across The Lavender Room at the Evergreen Bed & Breakfast, climbing under my quilted comforter, snuggling close.

Clicking on my sister-in-law’s photo of the Standard Times’ BookLovers article by Lauren Daley, (full article link)  my heart literally skipped a beat as Terri Luanna’s beautiful smile filled the screen.

As I read, Marisa hugged me close. Then closer.

When I finished reading the line, “Marisa, congratulations on your first byline. Safe to say Mamãe is overwhelmingly proud of you. We BookLovers are, too,” our eyes locked as my throat tightened. Somehow, I made it through the last few lines before bursting into tears.

Her hand gently stroked my arm, “It’s ok Auntie, it’s good to cry,” she whispered, tears floating down her cheeks.

“Yes, my love it is. I don’t usually cry like this with you, though. But that’s what I always tell you, isn’t it? Let it out,” I said, allowing myself the same release. “I miss her so much,” I added as we squeezed each other tight.

We lay there a few minutes longer, the grief finally washing our hearts clean. Savoring the gorgeous photos Lauren included, we oohed and ahhed as pride and excitement slowly replaced our sadness.

“How about a bubble bath in that humungous tub? We need to get you beautified for our first book signing!!”

And with that, Terri’s magical daughter sprang out of bed, eager to begin our day.

An hour or so later, I phoned my husband, reveling in the blazing glory of the ever-widening scope of Terri Luanna’s story. Tapping the voicemail button next, to listen to my daughter’s message from the night before, I could not believe what appeared.

“Mary!” I yelled to Spider’s sister who had accompanied Marisa and me to Bowen Island to celebrate Terri’s father’s 70th birthday. “Come here! You have to see this!”

I quickly explained what had just happened and within seconds, we both bowed to the undeniable—our girl had “spoken” yet again. Loud and clear. I mean what are the chances her contact information would randomly appear when I hit the voicemail button?? You can’t make this sh*t up!

Terri continued to speak over and over again as the day unfolded. I “heard” her in the reverent way Miss M arranged the books for the signing. I “heard” her in the sacred look of love that radiated between Miss M and Nana Canada’s best friend, Anya, and as Miss M signed the copy we donated to the Bowen Public Library.  I “heard” her as Miss M lovingly unfurled the braids she made in Grampa’s hair the night before at his birthday celebration. And I “heard” her in the eruption of giggles as Miss M attempted to settle between Uncle John and Aunt Mary’s laps after signing their book, unable to escape his fiendish tickling.

And I look forward to “hearing” her in our continued “conversations.”

Thank you, Terri Luanna, for setting me on this sacred journey.

Love, Auntie L