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CURRENTLY IN BOOKS
Artist uses art as therapy

Corrina Rasmussen-Turner

Remember, Dad? A Journey into Memory Loss
Lorlie Barkman. Kindred Productions, 1999. 119 pp. $9.95.

The death of a parent must be a tremendously painful experience. I have never experienced this loss, and can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on a family. Remember, Dad? A Journey into Memory Loss is a touching and faithful chronicle of one family’s path through this loss. Lorlie Barkman, author and illustrator, began to sketch some of the memories he shared with his father. He was inspired to continue writing these memories as a way to understand his feelings.

Barkman’s straightforward, conversational style of writing gives the reader a real sense of who “Dad” was. I shared in those special moments of Dad’s life. There were wonderfully amusing moments, such as Dad’s inventive use of the trouble light, and moments of sadness. I wiped tears from my eyes when I read the story of the lip imprint on the photograph.

Barkman allows us to see a man of great faith and strong character. The impact of his father’s love for God is felt through the memories of the family. The illustrations are simple, cozy and open in feeling. The author uses art as therapy very effectively in this diary.

This book, along with a journal, would be an excellent gift for someone going through a similar experience. It could also be a valuable resource for a grief support group. After reading this book, I had to give my mother a big hug.

Corrina Rasmussen-Turner is a cartoonist, occasional author and art instructor living in Saskatoon. She is a member of West Portal MB Church.

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Last modified December 3, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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