Introduction -- Loss -- Denial -- Death -- The first letter to John -- Aftermath -- The second letter to John -- Three funerals and a memorial -- Eulogies -- The third letter to John -- Sadmin -- The fourth letter to John -- Covid -- The fifth letter to John -- Comfort -- The sixth letter to John -- Love -- A letter from Anne to herself -- In conclusion.
Summary:
Catherine Mayer and her mother, Anne Mayer Bird, lost their beloved husbands just 41 days apart on the eve of the pandemic. Entering the nation-wide lockdown as new widows, they began meeting every week (socially distanced and in masks) as Catherine cared for her mother and both women learned to navigate loss, and the startling questions and challenges that confronted them. In this book, Catherine investigates the possibility that her husband, musician Andy Gill, contracted Covid-19 when his band toured China. Her main focus, however, is not on death, but life and love. Her accounts of lives well lived is interwoven with letters Anne wrote to her husband John to tell him of the events since his death. In sharing their insights and experiences, Catherine and Anne aim to help those who have lost people or who wish to know how best to support others in such circumstances. They also celebrate love -- for John, Andy, and each other.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.