Maria hosted our spring meeting on the picturesque “deck” of River City Brewing Company overlooking the St. Johns River. The setting was calming for our discussion of Mary Monroe’s book, Lost Daughters.
There was a cool breeze blowing and everyone commented on the beautiful day and complimented Maria on the bright tablecloths and festive spring gift bags that adorned the tables.
After everyone arrived, our drink orders were taken and Maria asked Karen to say a blessing. JayBee introduced her guests – sister in law, Vickye and longtime friend, Sharon.
We began our discussion with Loretta’s character being rambunctious and to quote Celeste (just “nasty”) when it came to her sexual exploits at such a young age. Did we think Loretta loved Mel was again a question for the “ages” (no pun intended). Did they both view each other (as Karen so eloquently put it), as “meal tickets” to get ahead and further their careers? We believed that Loretta actually thought she loved Mel, but at 14, what does she know about love, when she has not fully maturated. What she had could have been deemed more of a “crush" or “puppy love." Let me retract, they would both need to be “pups” to be considered puppy love, right...well, Mel was more of a Hound Dog!
Yet again, the topic of “Family Secrets” took off. Should Virgil have kept the secret that he and Mama Ruby shared of Maureen being kidnapped? Is a secret, no longer a secret once one of those in the covenant transitions? Again, viewpoints diverse, and debated.
Question?: Is a kidnap victim better off if the biological family is comprised of thugs, gangsters, and criminals? Does this justify kidnapping? Should Mrs. Freeman have taken her secret to the grave (after all, she did have one foot and an arm in already)? JayBee felt Mrs. Freeman took the easy way out…seems ironic that Ms. Monroe would give this character the surname of “Freeman” when she was actually never free…that’s one of those…”hummmmm” moments.
None of us were surprised that Mel dumped Loretta, after he impregnated her. Mel was an opportunist and when Lorreta became an obligation vs. an opportunity, he ran like his hair was on fire; on to his next victim.
The fact that Mama Ruby’s spirit came back to administer “street justice” had us cheering as if we were at a Vince Camuto or Manola Blahnik shoe sale and all the shoes were our size!!
Once the discussion was completed, Maria opened up our tribute to Ann by expounding upon her relationship and memories of Ann. Roz was next with words about Ann’s hosting of Twelve Tribes, at Panera Bread in February, 2013.
JayBee commissioned her sister-in-law to design and craft Lung Cancer Awareness
bracelets for each member and guest. As she presented the bracelets, she told stories of just how much Ann enjoyed reading and being a member of U.S. G.I R.L.S. (U.G. 4L!!!!)
Valerie began her portion of the program by presenting JayBee and Vickye with BEAUTIFUL Brighton bracelets. Each bracelet had a touching engraved remembrance charm. Valerie expressed that she wanted the bracelets to remind us of Ann and her kind spirit.
Valerie did not miss a single detail in her charge of the tribute - she even contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding rules and regulations for a balloon release in Duval County
Prior to the release, Valerie asked Karen to read a scripture, then she give Vickye a
“test” balloon to release. Once the test balloon was in flight, she asked the founding members to come forth, join hands and release. The remaining members then followed the same format and released the final set of balloons. It was truly an emotional, yet joyful tribute and celebration of Ann’s life.
After the tribute, Valerie said, now Ann would want us all to have dessert, and we all agreed!! Thank you Valerie for coordinating this lovely tribute!
After dessert, U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guest “chatted” a little more than usual (maybe because it was such a gorgeous day) and gave “kudos” to Maria for the venue, book, and discussion.
Thank you Maria for taking U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guests to the southbank for an amazing meeting on the River!!
*PLEASE REMEMBER TO GO TO AMAZON.COM TO WRITE YOUR REVIEW OF "LOST DAUGHTERS"
