Luseland author reads from memoir 30 years in the making
By Joan Janzen
LUSELAND – Luseland resident Edie Gillis shared excerpts from her recently completed memoir Good God on Thursday, October 1 at the Luseland Library.
"It took me 30 years to write it. I kept starting and stopping, but I was pretty happy to complete it," she said.
Luseland author Edie Gillis shared excerpts from her recently published memoir Good God at the Luseland Library on Thursday afternoon. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
A couple dozen friends, neighbours and family members gathered together to hear her read portions of her book. Its pages contain nearly 80 years of hilarious, heartbreaking and unbelievable memories.
"I enjoyed it a lot. It's a good read," one woman said. "I had someone look at the title and ask if it's a religious book." Edie was quick to laugh and respond, "God no!"
This was Edie's first public reading and she said it was pretty exciting. Her book got five stars on Amazon, where it is available for anyone wishing to make a purchase.
Edie moved to Luseland from Medicine Hat in 2006 and continued her nursing career at the Kerrobert Hospital. In her book she described the experience and recalled an unusually dressed neighbour introducing herself. "As it turned out she spent a fair amount of time drinking," Edie wrote.
The woman was one of many unforgettable characters who remain nameless or are introduced solely by their first name. Nevertheless, the people in the story will be able to recognize themselves on the pages of her book.
Her memoir begins on the Alberta prairies, where she grew up without electricity, indoor plumbing and many other conveniences that subsequent generations take for granted. The book is laced with humour but also includes loss, hard work, family, determination and unexpected adventures.
As Edie began reading about riding a horse to her first day at a country school, she would chuckle at the funny memories and her friends laughed along with her. As the story progresses she becomes a hairdresser, nursing aide, mother, traveller, community servant and registered nurse.
Her life's journey was neither polished nor perfect, filled with laughter and tears, challenges and achievements, lessons learned and an enduring resilience.
"I felt I had a story worth telling," Edie said, as she smiled and visited with friends. She happily signed copies of her book that were brought to her and expressed how pleased she was that everyone came out to listen to her read parts of her book.
"It's good of you to come. It's so wonderful!" Edie said as everyone enthusiastically applauded, celebrating the work of their much loved neighbour and friend.