Editors note: In last month’s NFD, we heard from author Janet Lynn Roseman on WHY she chose Joan of Arc for her book as well as her inspiration for writing the book. Read below for Part II, a Q/A session with Ms. Roseman.
Ms. Roseman.
Q, It is interesting you chose Joan of Arc as the symbol for your book, can you share more about why you chose her?
Certainly. Actually Joan chose me. After my mother passed away, I had a very difficult time adjusting to just how I would live in the world without her and to be honest, I still struggle with the answers to that question. The truth is all I wanted and all that anyone who has suffered a tragic loss in their lives is to find the connection again. I spent long, sleepless nights thinking about the amazing courage that she has during her ten year battle with cancer and I also thought about the many, many women I have worked with as an integrative medicine practitioner who also had extraordinary courage. My mother’s journey was filled with unimaginable suffering and I thought about her amazing courage – it was humbling. I didn’t like the mythology that people with cancer were somehow to be pitied and were weak, which is often the prevailing wisdom, which in my experience, was not true. My mother possessed enviable courage and it took my breath away just how strong she was. One day after she had passed, I tried to distract myself and visited a consignment store, something we had enjoyed doing together. I asked my mom to show me a “sign” that she was with me. Literally at my feet, there was a large painting face down on the floor and when I picked it up, there was a vintage painting depicting Joan on her horse with her head held high carrying a staff. I knew in that moment it was my mother’s sign to me. I read all things Joan, deeply knowing that she would be the symbol to honor my mom and all the other women I have loved and lost.
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