Saving Missy gives us a heart-breaking insight into the life of an old lady who has been left alone after losing the love of her life. It’s a situation that’s only too common in our world today, the story of a mother fighting loneliness after her children emigrate or move away. Instead of moving on she chooses to rather be alone surrounded by only her memories of her past. But a chance encounter in a park opens the door just a crack, letting opportunity knock to the start of a new life with friends. But will she take the chance? Will she risk it all to leave her safe shelter and explore the new adventure that may wait outside her doors?
Missy is an old woman who is living alone and pining after her old life. We are given a glimpse into her life growing up during the war, how she met and fell in love with her husband, and the immense pressure she was under as a mother raising two small children.
The story explores feelings of loneliness, and as a mother you will find yourself commiserate at the despair she felt during the early days of motherhood. The dread of losing her husband, followed by her children moving out and away leaving her to potter around in a big empty house, will knock not so gently on the worries your own heart may have experienced about your future.
Saving Missy is a poignant look at the fate that many of our older folk suffer. A reminder to be more patient, to call more and above all to revel in the immense love they have to offer us. It’s also a reminder that you’re never too old to try something new and to start a new chapter in your life!
Thinking back to the story now, the theme is even more important during the tough times we find ourselves in at present. So if you have a parent or an older person in your life please take the time to reach out to them today and check in to see how they are doing. It will take just a moment, but may well make the world of difference in their life.
Saving Missy by Beth Morrey is available for a recommended retail price of R305. Don’t forget you can also listen to it as an audio story.
Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for sharing this book with me.
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