UPDATE: A new shipment of Sunny’s Stoop has arrived at Deirfiur! Get your copy this week! You can also order a copy via Dorrance Publishing.
Original Post:
Growing up at 114 Marine Road in South Boston, as one of nine children, Karen (Coughlin) Regan grew up like many others in the neighborhood. Sharing a bedroom with a sibling or two. A table at supper time a buzz with activity, passing bowls and plates of food, sharing details from the day. The front door, always unlocked, had a bell on top that jingled, announcing when someone entered or exited. At the helm of the Coughlin ship were Karen’s parents Fran and Peggy Coughlin. As the family grew and expanded, so did the love in this three-story home. For Peggy, writing poems was a way of expressing her devotion to her family and marking milestones.
Inspired by her mother, Karen also wrote poems and inspired her own son Thomas to share the family craft. In this collection of work, Karen and her family members share three generations of poems centered around family, love, and companionship. Sunny’s Stoop – named for Karen’s beloved yellow lab who loved to hang on the family’s front stoop – is filled with beautiful, heartfelt words and photos that span a lifetime.
Over 100 people filled the upstairs function room at the Seapoint this past Saturday for a special book signing and reading. Just like 114 Marine Road, the room was filled with love and support.
If you would like a copy of Karen’s poetry collection, you can find it at Deirfuir on East Broadway. Makes a beautiful gift!
Editor’s Note: I am Karen’s niece and the first of 23 grandchildren in the Coughlin family. I’m so proud of Karen and her hard work! The poetry is moving and inspiring.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Beautifully written
Such a great family !
Hi I have found memories of Peggy and Fran Coughlin. My mother Teresa (Logan) Shortell and Peggy were cousins and very close. Peggy was very intelligent and non nonsense type of person. I had no idea she wrote poetry. I don’t know where she found the time having such a big family.
So proud of my cousin Karen. Congratulations on a fun, easy reading book. Lots of laughs and lots of tears.
Karen! I hope you remember me fondly?? I had no idea you or your Mom wrote poetry. I have as well all my life.
I think of the Coughlins so often and how wonderful you were to me. I was there 12 years 1988-2000. Would love to hear from you if you have a minute. I’m retired in Florida now.