Mom and Dad's Martinis by Jacelyn Cane

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Jacelyn Cane's mom and dad liked their martinis dry: straight gin on the rocks with a dab of vermouth and a hint of water - and they liked them often. They also liked to party; they danced, socialized, and drank - they were good at all three. Sometimes this behaviour led to humorous situations - antics in the pool, at the club, the cottage or in the car, for example. Other times, however, the experiences were not so funny - family fights and times of neglect, trauma, and abuse. By weaving together a series of episodes that take the reader to light and dark places, author Jacelyn Cane tells a poignant cautionary tale for anyone affected by alcoholism and/or family struggles. The author is using a pseudonym and most of the names in the book have been changed to protect people's identities. "Mom and Dad's Martinis: A Memoir" is a great read for anyone who has experienced a childhood mixed with joy as well as sorrow. It is a story of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and hope.

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

Mom and Dad had been dating for about a year when Dad graduated and found a job that required him to relocate to Montreal. The separation was difficult for both of them. Dad was spending a fortune on phone calls to Mom every night, and Mom felt an aching lump of loneliness in her stomach. In time, he started coming back to Toronto to see her every weekend. It wasn’t long before they became engaged and made plans for a wedding at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto’s Forest Hill where Mom had been a member of the congregation since she was a child.

It was a crisp fall day, and, as Mom stood shivering in her white satin and lace gown on the front steps of the church, Mary handed her the flowing bouquet of white roses. Dad and his six attendants wore tails. Mom had five bridesmaids and a flower girl who all wore full-length olive-green velvet and satin dresses and velvet pill box hats. My parents wed on October 13th, 1951.

It was a dry reception - not because my grandfather didn’t drink, but because he didn’t want to spend money on the bar. It was held in the Imperial Room at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. One hundred and fifty guests dined and danced in the magnificent dining room with its full-length windows, elaborate ceiling, beautiful wooden dance floor, and stage for the band.

The reception was suddenly interrupted when Princess Elizabeth arrived at the hotel with full security detail.

“Dot, Princess Elizabeth is here. She’s pulling up at the front door now. Let’s go.”

“Princess Elizabeth, here? I’ve got to see this!” Mom stopped dancing with her father and, along with dozens of wedding guests, ran out of the Imperial Room to catch a glimpse. Out by the front door, she spotted the princess’s car. “Hoist me up.” Mom yanked her wedding dress up around her hips and, with the help of her friends, dragged herself up onto one of the enormous flowerpots at the front door of the hotel. “Here she comes. She’s coming! Princess Elizabeth, over here! Hello, Princess Elizabeth. It’s my wedding day.” My mother stood in the flowerpot, with her white satin shoes in the soil, delighted to see the princess up close. Dad was standing behind Mom, silently enjoying her kooky spirit.

About the Author:

Jacelyn Cane was born and raised in Toronto. She lives with her husband, and near her three children and step-daughter. She is a retired elementary school teacher who also worked in social justice education with the United Church of Canada. She has worked in theatre and as a reporter. She was educated in Toronto, earning a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Canadian History from York University. Later, she earned a B. Ed. at the University of Toronto. She is passionately involved in numerous social justice issues such as climate crisis concerns and Indigenous rights. She loves meditating, writing, reading, music, laughing, and being around nature. She is motivated by a deep sense of spirituality. Her number one love, however, is being with family and friends.

Website: http://jacelyncane.com

Buy Links:

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mom-and-dads-martinis-jacelyn-cane/1132123904;jsessionid=35317AFA4CB43BE3A32DFB3DDB3E62C8.prodny_store01-va11
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mom-and-dad-s-martinis
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