W is for “Welcome to Writing,” By Jeanne Seldon

Jeanne was only able to be a part of our class for a short time, but her presence was definitely “welcome.” If you go back to the very beginning of this ABC story list, you will find that Jeanne wrote our delightful introduction.  Re-read that post here: ABC's

What this senior writing class has meant to me is a wonderful opportunity to write. I first wandered into the class in May, 2006, to deliver a birthday present to my stepmother, Barbara, who had given me directions where to find her at the Norwalk Senior Center between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursdays. The location was on my way to pick up my husband from work at the nearby mental hospital. When I arrived, the class was enjoying their break by celebrating a birthday with cake and friendly laughter. I was warmly welcomed by class members and the teacher, Bonnie Mansell, who, without waiting, immediately invited me to join the class.

WOW! I was a little worried that it might not work out for me, since I had always wanted to write about important memories, but I somehow never wound up finding the time to write. I had retired from teaching the previous year, but still had not written a single word. My friends think I am a little weird because I love to write and they would rather just read. “What have I got to lose?” I thought. “Why not?” This is my chance to work writing into my schedule. I went back to class the next week and I have returned almost every week thereafter.

What I discovered in this writing class was a worldly group of wise and witty writers, who willingly share their written work without worry as they weave the important experiences of their lives into wonderful words, worthy of preserving for future generations. When I write pieces for class, I wonder whether my writing seems too woeful or wistful, too wacky or wild, too wordy or wishy-washy, or maybe just my worst writing ever. Yet, my efforts are always welcomed by the other wonderful writers in the class as worthwhile and well-done.

Writing has become a good habit in my life now, and I find myself wondering what will be my next topic. I welcome the weekly opportunity to write with feedback from the class, and I just wish I had more time to write. I want to thank the other writers in the group for their warm welcome to class. I can’t wait to write more next week! This class is WONDERFUL!