Nana: My Grandmother, Anne Gillis (ISBN-10: 1420879316) by Robert Gillis
is a wonderful touching and emotional journey into the lives and relationship of a grandmother and grandson.
Bob Gillis has written a remarkable tribute to his lovable grandmother, Nana, Anne Gillis. The story follows her from her birth in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, through her years as a dutiful nurse to the elderly as the sole proprieter of Uphams Corner Rest Home, to the humorous and bittersweet final years of her life. The author does an exceptional job of relating and connecting his childhood memories to poignant moments near the end of a life well lived.
In the 1930’s being a single mother was not only shocking, it was a challenge overcome by only the strongest of women. Nana, Anne Gillis, was such a woman, and with her stubborn determination she managed to take care of her and her son’s financial needs, and went on to leave an indelible imprint on the next generation as well.
What began as a stop to drop off the newspaper blossomed into a very special responsibility that lasted nearly 25 years. Bob Gillis visited his grandmother daily from the age of five years old. He helped shop for her, took care of household repairs as I got older, watched out for her, and just spent time listening to her talk about her life. Over the years he developed a special love for Nana, and a great respect and affection for the elderly.
The author writes in a recent interview, “Nana loved to talk, and we spent nearly an hour every day chatting. There were many stories that were repeated again and again, but I know Nana liked to tell them, and I never really minded. As I got older, I became more interested in the family history, and I’d ask Nana questions. As I grew up, I was able to do more. I made her dinner every night and took her shopping. When I started driving, I tried to take her out every now and then; it always did her good. After Nana died, I started jotting memories about her—things I wanted to remember, stories she told, family facts and trivia, and little anecdotes. I discovered that after such a difficult personal loss, writing was the best therapy. I hadn’t intended to write a book, but the memories just flooded into me and I kept writing. Over time, I found that there could be no better way to mourn Nana, and accept her passing, than by celebrating her life.”
Robert Gillis learned much from his grandmother that he shares in Nana: My Grandmother, Anne Gillis – “One of Nana’s favorite expressions was, 'Your dollar is you best friend,”'and that came from how hard she worked all her life. Nothing was ever handed to Nana; her entire life was filled with hard work and she certainly taught me the value of work, the value of saving your money, the value of working toward or for something.”
Nana: My Grandmother, Anne Gillis is a special and remarkable tribute to a remarkable lady. This is a story that spans generations with honesty and a unique look into the lives of a of a grandmother and grandson. Nana: My Grandmother, Anne Gillis will give you a deeper meaning into your own relationship with your grandparents or open up memories that should be remembered and cherished. Exceptional and unforgettable.
Publisher: Authorhouse
ISBN-10: 1420879316
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Gillis grew up in Dorchester, Massachusetts and is a
graduate of Boston College High School and U/Mass Boston. Although he's been a professional computer programmer for nearly 20 years, his first love has always been writing, and he has written a regular opinion piece for the Foxboro Reporter since 1996. He and his wife Susan live in Foxboro, home of the Superbowl champion Patriots, with their “kids,” a German shepherd and a very opinionated Moluccan Cockatoo parrot. He is very active in the Foxboro community; in addition to being on the board of directors for the Foxboro Jaycees, he also serves as that organization's web master, and created and maintains the web site for the the Foxboro Doolittle Home, a place where senior citizens live their lives in dignity and quality of life. He also works with the Foxboro Food Pantry. Recently, he has taken his love of photography in a new direction and is selling his photographs at his website, GillisPhotos.com
“Nana” is his first published book, and was truly a labor of love, written over six years in memory of a very special lady. He hopes that anyone who has loved a senior will enjoy this book. For more information, visit www.robertxgillis.com
 |
|
