Five students from my class, fall 2008 at Tri-County Community College, gathered for a reunion and tea at the lovely home of Ash and Liz on a mountain in Warne, NC. It was a joy for me to see everyone and hear some of the stories they had written and some re-written since we were all together last fall.
Before we shared writing, we shared delicious homemade cakes and cookies, fruit and cheese, lovely teas and coffee set up in a room with a gorgeous view of the Tusquittee mountain range.
This is an example of the kind of bonding that comes from sharing our life stories in class. Ash is an octogenarian who has lived an incredible life already, but continues to thrive every day. He is excited about writing and sharing his stories.
The other students are four women who also have unique lives about which they continue to write. Ginny was born in the mountains of North Georgia but grew up and lived most of her life in the Detroit area.
Nadine is from the coal mining area of West Virginia, and is now a sophisticated interior designer. Sara lived her early life in a children's home. She has begun her autobiography and what we heard in class held us spellbound. Vicki hails from south Georgia, as I do, and we have many similar memories.
I feel blessed to have met these writers, and I am honored to be included in their reunions which they have decided to continue. Liz was a good sport and didn't throw us out even though we probably overstayed the time alloted for a "tea."
Thanks so much to Ash and Liz for a delightful afternoon and for bringing everyone together again.
