Daughter Eve Hietamies still plans to complete Laila Hirvisaari’s last book.
The death of the author Laila Hirvisaari will be a year on Thursday. The beloved author was 83 years old at the time of his death.
– I was startled to see if it’s been a year. This year is terribly fast, sighs Laila’s daughter, author Eve Hietamies Iltalehti.
Over six, Eve put the candle on fire – by that time, the mother had died, according to the doctor.
Eve says her well-being has been mixed over the past year. It has been particularly challenging not to have time to say goodbye to a suddenly dead mother.
– We all have a hard time, Eve says, referring to her sisters Anuun and Tiinaan.
Eve Hietamies lit a candle in memory of her mother. ATTE KAJOVA
Eve says the mother’s death has strongly united the children: the sisters have become a tough trio. Together, they have uncovered the twists and turns of bureaucracy and filled out papers on the role of grieving relatives.
The mother is still present in everyday life in other ways as well.
– One day I asked if any of us had removed my mother’s phone number from the phone. Not yet.
The death of the mother united the daughters. Pictured are Eve Hietamies and Laila Hirvisaari in 2015. Leena Overhead
Laila Hirvisaari is buried in Lepola Cemetery in Lappeenranta. Eve always visits the tomb when she visits her cottage in Lappeenranta. During the winter, visits are missed. Even then, the aunt takes care of the grave and sends pictures to the daughters.
Outsiders also visit the grave and bring flowers.
Book in the wardrobe
In an interview with Iltalehti in November, Eve said she plans to finish Laila’s last novel as long as she can. It’s not time yet. For a book project, Even has to make an expensive trip for which she needs a grant.
Laila Hirvisaari was one of Finland’s most successful writers. Jenni Gästgivar
– I’m still hesitant to grab a book to start reading a text Laila has written. It’s like he’s talking to me directly.
– Maybe the time isn’t good yet. There it is in the closet, in a black bag.
He has already read the book twice in the past, so the story itself is no surprise.
People remember
On Laila’s birthday on June 7, Otava organized an event for her loved ones. There were about 100 people present. Pictures of Laila were projected on the walls and some uttered speeches. There was wine and Italian food, which Mom liked.
– It was a really nice evening. Otava did it on her own initiative with the idea of celebrating life and not just mourning to death. Otava still takes care of us, even though Laila is gone, Eve says.
Eve Hietamies is grateful that Laila has remained in the minds of the Finns. IL archive
Eve touches how the writer is still in people’s minds.
– People still want to talk about Laila.
One more thing the daughter wants to say.
– I would like to continue to thank the Finns who remember and read and who have not forgotten.
Laila Hirvisaari was 83 years old when she died. Jenni Gästgivar