Becoming “Doc”
It’s a marvelous sign when readers of The Beekeeper’s Question so identify with characters they want to become like them. For several months now I have had the honor of conversing with book club members, both in person and on zoom—mostly women in their 60’s/70’s—inspired by the character “Doc,” as a role model of practical older woman wisdom.
For those who haven’t yet read the book, Doc is Jereldene Jesperson, a seventy-something, unmarried country physician serving the rural community of Pigeon River, Montana. She is the friend of widower, Leo Cooper, the local parson, beekeeper, and father of sons, one in the war, one in the valley. The Cooper family, in which Doc is an honorary auntie, is central to the story and to the community’s ability to make their way through the early years of World War II.
Franklin, Maire, Doc, Leo
Leo’s bee yards
Author, creativity coach and blogger, Sally Fox recorded an excellent podcast of me when the book came out last fall. (Click here to listen.) Recently she posted a blog about wisdom keepers and their important roles in the very real drama of our times. She writes:
| One such wisdom keeper, Jereldene Jesperson, known to everyone as “Doc,” stood out to me after reading The Beekeeper’s Question, a powerful novel by acclaimed Northwest writer Christina Baldwin. Set in an isolated Montana town in 1942, it tells the story of a family and community dealing with divides.
Doc is the family doctor—the only one the town could get. Though she arrived as an outsider, she tends to the bodies and souls of the valley with an open heart, caring even for those who once distrusted her. Over time, she becomes the wise woman people turn to in times of crisis. I felt moved by her wisdom, comforted by her presence, and left the book feeling like we needed more Docs—seasoned by life, and able to offer their practical wisdom when the world seems to be running off the rails. You can find them everywhere if you know what to look for:
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The list reminded me how amazing it was to bring Doc to life; to put good words in her mouth and good actions in her community role. Readers ask me who she is modeled after, and the truest answer is “the best of you/me/us.”
And Leo… well, he is based on the best aspects of the men in my family–men I would call “the stewards” of masculinity, who can both tend and defend. He is seasoned, seeking, and rises again and again to cope with the challenges his family, congregation, and bees face in uncertainty.
This is true wisdom: femininity combined with fierceness: masculinity combined with tenderness. Leo and Doc are a team that brings physical and spiritual comfort into the room, serves tea with honey to the suffering. They show up, face into difficult conversations, counsel the younger generation, love the babies and children, hold onto their values. Right now, I see their faces everywhere in the protests rising across America. We are becoming Doc. Becoming Leo
My oldest cousin–age 95, marching in protest. Doc indeed!
I notice how a large proportion of the protesters are white-skinned and grey-haired. Some people are lamenting, “Where are the youngers?” They’re busy–trying to survive financially, reassure their children (and each other), hold onto meaning in a world where meaning is shattered daily. Our job–the elders–is to get out there and raise our voices. Our generation is responsible for a lot of this mess: so it’s our responsibility to call it back. And it’s time to use our white privilege to stand in front of those being targeted: immigrants, minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and to make alliances, to reach out, open dialogue, stand fierce, stay tender. As Doc and Leo reassure each other, “We’ll figure it out.” That’s our job now. See you there–in our communities, making good trouble.
Hi Christina,
What an inspiring post! I’ve noticed the grey-haired whiteness at all the protests and really appreciate your perspective on that.
Many blessings!
How is Canada? I am so glad you made it across the border.
Well said, Christina! I say this as someone who has not–this round–made a sign or walked in protest yet. But I think you are onto something when challenging us elders to be the Good Trouble that’s needed now. Now to polish up my walking shoes. . .
With love and appreciation always,
Mary Ann
I know you and Mary will be out there!
I loved “Doc,” as well. She knew fundamentally how to care – lovingly, skillfully, and compassionately. I also delighted in “Doc” because it brings back memories of my students, who (as my hair became more grey) didn’t want to call me by my first name (and I wouldn’t have let them), and felt like “Dr. Sandford” was too formal for our relationship. When I worked with police officers, on occasion, they just automatically went to “Doc.” The traits listed for “Doc” are those I that I hope to cultivate as an elder. What “Doc” so beautifully illustrated was authenticity. She was so completely herself and related to others as individuals, honoring them in their entirety.
I can totally see how you played out that role in an academic setting. And now you are in the writer’s hut bringing more talent to life.
You’ve given life and credibillity to an archetype that lives among us and with whom many of us aging now can embrace. Thanks for the recognition and empowerment. You certainly know this one, dear C. love A
Thanks “Doc” Anne–carry on with gentle heartfulness.
Thank you as always for a glimmer of light amidst too much crushing darkness.
You, too, glimmer!
Yes! We will figure it out together. And Doc and Leo are wonderful examples of the spirit we’ll bring to the table as we do.
…and neighborliness–the thing that must not change.
Just when tempted to label my aging self as redundant, naive or incompetent,
I return to Doc’s qualities and recognize them in myself and many others.
Thanks for the empowerment, Christina.
YOU–Montana woman–know the Docs of the west, and are one of them.
I can’t wait to read this book Christina! I also know and admire Sally Fox. Great post. Stay well. I am protesting too!
thanks Jann, audio coming soon so you can protest and listen at the same time. Blessings.
Thank you for emphasizing what younger people are trying to manage. Those who show up- stand for many. Maya Angelou said, “I come as one but stand for 10,000” It no longer feels safe for some people to speak up or protest. When I hear from younger folks across the country saying that their protests are shut down, or there are tickets issued for honking your horn to support protests, or people who are scared to protest – I say, “I will stand for you.” I loved the picture of your 95 year old cousin. What an inspiration. She stands for MANY. And in our hearts, we are standing for those who are no longer here. All those who fought and died for this country- Our ancestors wouldn’t believe this! Thank you for your book and these characters. So relevant for us all.
We are going to get through this shoulder to shoulder… I am determined not to shrink, but to keep on thinking creatively all the ways to hold the worst at bay and pray that those in power can find the guardrails. Meanwhile–we Doc, we Leo.
“Stand fierce, stay tender” Brilliant.
For me, this is the key. The consommé.
If I ever considered a tattoo, this would be it.
Thank you for all the voices you bring to the conversation. I hear you. And I’m so proud to know you.
You are these words, Bonnie Rae.
“Becoming Doc.” I can’t think of a better striving, nor a better role model than you and Ann. I love the sign Janis saw, “We shall older come.” I’m making it for the next protest.
“Fiercely tender. Tenderly fierce.”
A mantra you’ve brought to life with Doc and Leo. And live as you.
I am just now getting caught up on your blogs. I saw them slip through my notifications amongst so many urgent political cries for salvation, and emails demanding my attention as a family caregiver. I promised myself to get back to them.
Today, the honey goddess blog caught my attention at just the right moment, so here I am! The moment is timely and right as I reflect on my burnt toast, and yet turn my fierce attention to those who have harmed us nationally.
Thanks for sharing the inspirational photo of your Aunt. It takes courage to rise up at any age. If it helps to know, my 22-year-old autistic grand son attends the peaceful protests to “protect me”. He remains in the car by choice, though, because he has dark features. Since the mafia don’s first regime, my son has been confronted hatefully in public by old white people, “Go back to your own country!” This has been confusing for him, a U.S. citizen since birth. He is already here. (I itch for them to say this in from of me, a white-appearing mixed race elder. Wouldn’t that be delicious?)
I want to print off Ms. Fox’ list as words to live by–words that began in the character you created…words that began in the “Doc” I see in Christina and Ann. How glorious!
I appreciate the bonus of finding in this blog, the many sign slogans I can use as we bear down on June 14th and beyond. My magic markers are dancing in anticipation. I need to buy more sign boards…