“Love, Life, & Lucille” is the story of friendship between a 40-something workaholic and a 100-year-old woman that highlights what makes a meaningful life.
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I received an advanced reader copy of “Love, Life, & Lucille” from the publisher.
When I received an invitation to participate in a book tour about a new memoir, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love to read a wide range of genres and am working on making reading a daily habit.
What caught my attention was the fact that this story is local. I live in DFW and the story takes place here. A story about a 100-year-old woman from Dallas sounded like it might be fun. By the end of the first chapter, I was sucked into the story.
About the book “Love, Life, & Lucille”
From the publisher:
As a determined professional in her forties, Judy Gaman didn’t realize that she was trapped in an unrelenting and all-too-common cycle of workaholism, something she inherited from both her parents. She spent so much time keeping her head down and pursuing her professional dreams that she lost sight of the little things in life that really matter.
While writing a book about longevity, Judy met centenarian Lucille Fleming in Dallas. Lucille was larger than life, and what was supposed to be a short meeting turned into an inseparable friendship. The two bonded and through their shared stories, they learned that true friendship knows no age. They also discovered that the human experience, regardless of generation, has similar milestones that shape our lives and make us who we become.
Lucille’s lessons would ultimately help Judy break free from the chains of workaholism. But, it wasn’t until Lucille’s death that Judy realized the importance of the first lesson Lucille ever taught her. Love, Life, & Lucille highlights the core of Lucille’s secret to a long and meaningful life.
What makes a meaningful life
There is a lot of wisdom to be learned from our senior citizens. Having lived for over 100 years, Lucille has been through an amazing range of life experiences. She grew up during the Great Depression, worked as a nurse through the mid-century, married the love of her life and raised a family, and traveled across the country.
It would be impossible to write down all of Lucille’s life lessons, but here are a few that I took away from her story.
1. Do what you love.
Lucille’s career was in nursing and it was also her passion. Even through the most challenging moments in her career, she not only survived but thrived.
Likewise, she embraced all of life this way. She was passionate about her favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers, and decorated her home and herself in the most elaborate and colorful ways.
2. Know when to slow down.
Both Lucille and Judy go through challenges and setbacks in this book. Although neither lets any challenge stand in their way, they both also embrace the time spent resting and healing.
3. Find your people.
We don’t always get to choose our family and coworkers, but do get to choose the people we spend time with and get close to. It goes in hand with slowing down. It is important to surround yourself with people who you can laugh, and cry, and celebrate life with.
4. Look for joy.
Lucille was born in 1912. She grew up poor during the Great Depression, worked in the medical field during World War II, experienced love and loss, and faced personal and health challenges.
She also faced every day with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. There will be days when you are sad and see no silver lining. But the way you face most days – with joy, optimism, and good intentions – makes a difference.
5. The most important thing.
Perhaps the most important life lesson is at the end of this book. I won’t spoil it for you, but I will say that it can make all the difference in your outlook on life and what you carry with you.
Book review
General thoughts
“Love, Life, & Lucille” is an easy read. The chapters are short and the writing style conversational. Judy Gaman paints a picture in each chapter with great details. I didn’t look for photos of Lucille until finishing the book – and she is exactly as I imagined.
Most chapters are episodic – snapshots of days when Lucille and Judy spend time together. As both go through health challenges, and toward the end of Lucille’s life, the story picks up speed. I do wish there were more stories about Lucille’s earlier life. I think that could’ve been a whole book by itself!
The pair discuss everything and no topic is off-limits. Some are quite emotional; Lucille has lived long enough to experience great losses. But others are just silly fun; Lucille is quite a character.
My takeaways
Judy starts the book by sharing a conversation with her husband while reading the obituaries in the newspaper. She compares two – one that reads like a job resume and the other that is filled with inside jokes and love from family. I immediately knew how Judy felt.
One of my responsibilities at the newspaper where I work part-time is to format obituaries. Even though I don’t know those people, I’m always deeply stuck by what has been written about them after they are gone.
Some are long, a tribute to all they have accomplished. Some highlight the depth of their love for family and those who will remember them. Many include professional headshots from early life. Others are short and say little more than their birth and death dates. Every now and then, no photo is available.
Sometimes I joke that I will just write my own so that I get the last word. But mostly, I hope that I am living a meaningful life that is special to those I know long after I am gone.
“Love, Life, & Lucille” is proof that we have a profound effect on those around us – for better or worse – and the best way to write the story is to live a full life.
“Love, Life, & Lucille”
You can pick up a copy of “Love, Life, & Lucille” from your favorite bookseller. It is available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
Thank you so much for such a kind review! So glad you enjoyed the book. Love this blog – keep up the good work!!
Thank you! My only regret is not getting to meet Lucille myself! I feel like I know her after reading your book.