A new book of poetry by Minden native Lucy Irving has been released in honor of her late mother, Wanda Merritt McEachern, who was also born and raised in Minden.
The collection, titled “Wanda’s Request: Broken to Beautiful – Poetry of Healing and Resilience,” fulfills a wish made by McEachern shortly before her passing. “You know what I want you to do for me — publish a book of your poems for me,” she told her daughter, according to Irving.
Irving’s connection to writing began at an early age, with one of her childhood stories appearing in the Minden Press-Herald. Her latest work not only includes her own poetry, but also features poems written by family members, including her late Mamaw and niece, as well as her husband and son.
“This book is a piece of her to live on,” Irving said. “The community needs to know that she is being remembered and honored.”
The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon, Walmart.com, BarnesandNoble.com, IngramSpark, and other major online booksellers. The Minden branch of the Webster Parish Library also has a copy available for readers.
Irving emphasized that this project was deeply personal, created during a time of grief, but also meant to bring healing. “I am dying without her,” she wrote, “but I hope that you will help me honor my mother.”
