We at Signature Books are profoundly saddened to learn of the June 29 passing of our dear friend, Carol Lynn Pearson.
Some people leave behind books.
Carol Lynn Pearson leaves behind many, but more than that, she leaves seeds that invite us to love more generously, live more courageously, and make room for everyone.
She spent her life reminding the world that compassion is an act of courage. Through her poetry, books, plays, essays, and diaries, she gave a voice to those who felt unseen.
Over the past two years, it has been one of the great privileges of our lives to know and work with Carol Lynn in achieving her last literary goal: publishing her diaries, which chronicled her life from the age of 17 to 85. As we visited with her just days ago, she spoke of her pleasure that the first two volumes of her Diaries of Carol Lynn Pearson are now available to the world, and was thrilled to know that the third and fourth volumes will be published this fall. Even as she faced the end of her journey, her attention remained on sharing her life story in hopes of encouraging others, deepening conversations, and spreading the love she believed could change hearts.
She shared a message with all of us in the final entry of her fourth and final diary:
“For two full years I have focused intently on reliving and sharing my (as of today) eighty-five year journey. If you are reading this entry, you have traveled the long road with me, observing one woman navigating her life as a Latter-day Saint, as a feminist, as an activist for LGBT causes, as a mother, a friend, a seeker of God, a discoverer of Godliness, a woman of laughter, a woman of grief, a celebrator of light.
I thank you for your interest in this one singular life. And now—
To Those Who Have Loved Me
When I am gone
Let me lie in state
in your heart
for a day or two
or more.
then plant me
deep in the soil
of your best work
and let me help
towards harvest.”
Thank you, Carol Lynn, for your friendship, your trust, your courage, and your words. We'll keep you in our hearts for a day or two, or more. And then, like countless others, we'll plant you deep in the soil of our best work, and let you help toward harvest.
The Signature Books team
