On My Own at 107: Reflections on Life Without Bessie

by Sarah L. Delany

Book Overview

On September 25, 1995, Dr. Annie Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany died at home in Mount Vernon, New York, marking the end of not only an extraordinary life, but of a century-long relationship with her cherished older sister, Sarah. Now, after a quiet year of mourning and reflection, and inspired by Bessie's beloved garden, Sarah has composed a collection of warm memories and delightful anecdotes, illustrated throughout with paintings of Bessie's favorite...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062514857
• ISBN13: 9780062514851
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 149 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

I am so grateful for this little book

I read the first two books about these two remarkable sisters ("Having Our Say," and "The Delaney Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom") and they also deserve five stars each, absolutely. In fact, the best book, in terms of literary merit, is the first one, and I loved looking at the photos in the book of the whole family, going back a few generations. But this book here really helped me in the first year of my husband's death. I read it at least once a week, usually more. I found strength in the fact that if Sadie could make it on her own after being practically attached at the hip for over 100 years to Bessie, and loving each other so much and so well, then I would somehow find the strength to go on too. Sometimes I was so cried out, but I was still so sad and wanted to cry more, but the tears wouldn't come. The way the "as-told-to" author Hearth expressed Sadie's feelings always helped bring back those cathartic tears. I read many books of comfort for the grieving widow, but for some reason, this little book near saved my life.

an amazingly postitive look at life

i think this book would be a wonderful source of comfort for ANYONE who has lost a partner or loved one...it is so 'upbeat' and positive that it would help the survivor cope with loss. it is delightfully written and offers a perspective from 107 years of life that most of us will not achieve! i am giving this book to friends who need comfort and a new perspective on continuing with their lives.

Queen Bessie!

Bessie was my favorite sister. She had so much fire and flare. I'll miss her. This book really allows people that have lost someone to understand that a relationships still exists even though a person isn't physically here. Sadie has pictures of Bessie's favorite flowers from her garden on every other page. It is the best tribute to a person's life that I have ever read or seen. This book proves that it is the simple moments of compassion that make a life so great!

A moving account of the days after her sister's death.

Sarah Delany is truly an inspiration as she speaks from her heart about coping with the loss of her sister. I found the flower sketches and comments relating to her sister to be very comforting. This book is a moving account of how it feels to lose someone close to you. Having lost both my parents last year--I found that this book made me feel a little better!

spiritually beautiful,moving

What a courageous and forthright account of the mourning of a soulmate. Having Our Say is complete with this little book as its follower. Sarah Delaney shares her inner thoughts in this moving chronicle of her first year without Bessie. Her strength at 107 years old is beautiful to witness. After my first reading, this book was sent to my own baby sister for her birthday