Joan Donaldson Presents: Ae Fond Kiss

Join us for a deeply moving event with Michigan author Joan Donaldson, whose novel Ae Fond Kiss explores grief, resilience, and the enduring ways love shapes the lives left behind.

In recognition of Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and the experiences of Gold Star families, Joan will also share the personal story behind the breathtaking four-acre poppy field near Fennville that she and her husband plant each year in honor of their son. The field has become a place of reflection and healing for thousands of visitors throughout June, touching people far beyond West Michigan, including veterans and families who have found hope and comfort through its beauty.

As a Gold Star mother and Peer Mentor with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS.org), Joan brings both compassion and lived experience to conversations about remembrance, community support, and carrying grief forward with purpose.

This special event will include discussion of Ae…