I decided to sit a bit longer until the people arrived. I closed my eyes. I could see Mum’s face. She was in the car, being rushed to Emergency. She was confused, asking for her lipstick over and over, but then she turned around to look at my sisters and me, sitting in the back. She looked at us with such love and heartache. I had never seen her eyes so clear.
Firstly I thank Helen Garner for spurring me on to write and be published, and for being the voice in my head as I wrote, calling for fearlessness, clarity and compassion.
Thanks also to Michael Gawenda for encouraging me to write at a time when I was at a crossroads.
It has been a privilege and pleasure working with editor Chris Feik. Chris showed me meanings in the story that I couldn’t see myself and made it a better novel. And I am grateful to Jo Rosenberg for her fine skill and generosity as project manager and copy editor.
I acknowledge the warm support received from family and friends, including Joanne O’Mara, Lorena Wright and Paula Chatfield, who read the first draft.
Finally, my thanks to Stephen Gray, who gave me the space and guidance to write, and whose love enabled me every step of the way.
The Healing Party Page 26