“L” is the beginning letter of the most powerful world of our dictionary. It covers a multitude of emotions, which can trigger a multitude of events from history and from individual lives.
“Love is a Many Splendored Thing;” so says a lovely old song I have heard my daughter Kathy sing so many times. It can take many forms: love of family, friends, cherished pets, plants, favorite possessions, and foods – all the colorful mosaics of our lives. It surely has taken me to the pinnacle of happiness and to the depth of despair in my lifetime.
Throughout the years, as my daughters heard (maybe too often) the stories of my life, they always encouraged me to put those stories down on paper. I don’t know what held me back: maybe procrastination, laziness or reluctance, not knowing how to reveal the tumult of my life.
Then in my retirement, when my physical disabilities started to affect the vitality of my life, came an unexpected pleasure I greatly value and enjoy today. Before that, one of my daughters, Judith, gave me a book to read and record the important events of my life.
It touched my cord of resistance, and I thought it would be a lot easier this way. And then my other daughter, Kathleen, met by chance with Bonnie Mansell, and she sort of enlisted me in Bonnie’s memoir writing class, leaving me no more excuses.
Joining Bonnie’s memory writing class brought many pleasures into my life. Her sunny-spirited guidance overrides my occasional glum and my resistance to writing. We have a wonderful company of classmates who become friends while sharing each others stories ~ sometimes with tears of sorrow, sometimes with joy, sometimes with great humor and laughter. We value and enjoy the stories of each other’s lives.
In my writing class I find companionship sharing each other’s joys or sorrows or burdens, and in the process we rediscover that love is a many splendored thing, which can teach even my ninety-year-old heart to sing. Yes, love is truly a “many splendored thing.”
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I am so blessed to have known Margaret. I car-pooled to class with her and Evelyn. I was most surprised the first time I heard her read one of her stories. She was an amazing writer and gave me confidence to come out of my shell. I'm thankful I was able to share her last Christmas party with her.
ReplyDeleteRandy was one of the friendliest people I have met. He and Judy made me feel welcomed every time I came to class. They will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteThis beautifully written story in Margarets own words reveals the type of person she was. Despite the many tragedies in her life, Margaret had a great joy in living. At the age of ninety,she got a new lease on life by joining Bonnie's writing class and sharing the tapestry of her unique life. She loved the group and made many new friends. Margaret was an inspiration. She was well loved and will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know her. May she rest in peace.
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