Everyone has a story to tell. And many have come across stories they would like to read, particularly older adults who find reading to be a popular leisure activity. An increasing number of seniors are devouring the latest literary works, and finding their voices during peer discussions. The enjoyment one receives from independent reading can be enhanced considerably when shared with others, particularly seniors whose life experiences often mirror the narratives they find so intriguing. Literary Circles are social and educational gatherings where mentors or group leaders facilitate discussions and promote dialogue between participants.
What follows is a glimpse of my personal experience facilitating a Literary Circle:
“I led a group of women on a journey of self-discovery. There were ten women in all, most of them having celebrated between 90 and 100 birthdays respectively. Like clockwork, they slowly pushed their walkers toward our sunny, glass-enclosed meeting room. As they reached the door, they gingerly let go of their walkers, parked them in a neat line, and walked with effort by themselves into the room. It is as if they were determined to reclaim their independence, albeit temporarily, for this sacred hour each week. As they arranged themselves casually on the sofas and chairs, and around the table, I realized they were relaxed and comfortable with each other. Rarely did they claim the same seat each week, open to newness. Their chatting served as a balm, temporarily erasing their aches and pains. Eager eyes quickly scanned the room, taking a silent roll call. Our Literary Circle came to order.
The magic in this room was fueled by what the casual observer could not see. For beyond the physical frailties and tired bodies, were women young in spirit, shining bright with intellect, struggling to realign their perception of themselves with what the world sees of them. After nearly nine decades or more they were empowered to claim their self-worth, and find their voice through literature.
For over a year we gathered together to share our love of reading, a superficial goal, it is now realized. For in those months we shared so much more. We bridged the gap of diversity, sharing our differences in backgrounds: Jewish and Christian, rich and poor, formally educated and those who were forced to abandon their dreams due to economic hardships. We discussed marriages, widowhood, and motherhood, and with each revelation, a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for each other.
Our first novel together, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, cemented our sisterhood! Together we explored our feelings of loss, of friendship, and vulnerability. We spoke of forgiveness. More importantly, we learned to trust each other as we shared our stories and opened our hearts. What was spoken in our cozy room was not to be shared beyond the door. There was a feeling of safety. Ideas were swirling about and voices were beginning to be heard. We were gaining momentum…like the bees.
By the time we read, The Color of Water by James McBride our Circle was stronger than ever. Then again, it would have to be to tackle the issues of faith and racism that we did. I will forever remember the grace which was present in that room the morning we discussed the shameful acts committed by the character’s father, a rabbi, upon his daughter. How gracious the Christian women of the Circle were in their pronouncement that atrocities of this nature knew no religious boundaries. I realized at that moment how significant this understanding was for this generation. It was if the
hands of one tiny group of women were reaching out to one another in an attempt to bridge the gap of so many years of strife. Finally, at the conclusion of this book, we celebrated with the heroine as she achieved remarkable goals through perseverance and determination despite her advancing years.
As December approached and the holidays drew near, we prepared to celebrate a very special occasion: our eldest Circle member was about to mark her one-hundredth birthday! Purposefully, I chose this time to present these remarkable women, with a very special gift: Lynda M. Nelson’s heartwarming book, The Little Red Buckets. It is a story of family and giving, and more importantly offers an eternal perspective. As I had hoped, it nudged the women into a deeper level of thinking than we had previously explored as a group together. They began to question their purpose, and their influence upon others. And with their friend’s one-hundredth birthday celebration, they were touching upon their own mortality. They were beginning to explore the difference they make in this world.
As we welcomed a new year, along with it came a new awareness in our members. Each week, more often than not, our discussions twisted and turned. Often times I detected a restlessness in the women. They were realizing they were entitled to their feelings, their thoughts, and dreams. But were they buried? Could they resurrect them at their ages? One morning I gently asked the women what kind of aspirations they had held for themselves all of these years. Quite simply, I posed the question, “If you could have done anything differently with your life, eliminating all barriers, what would it have been?” A hush came over the room. Their answers were astounding, and surprised me.
As our Literary Circle ebbed and flowed, I witnessed it fulfill an astounding need in the older women. At last, these women were free to discuss their innermost thoughts and opinions in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement. Through literature, assimilations to their lives were made, and through our discussions, the women gained confidence as they learned to assert their opinions. There were days when an idea was presented and it seemed as if their opinions were unleashed with a fervor. No longer were these women second-class citizens, with inconsequential viewpoints, they were empowered women who have a voice and a new found confidence!
It is important to recognize the role literature has played in inspiring these older women to find their voices, and the significant benefits this has to our aging society. Imagine the far-reaching social implications in America if the magic of literature were to be unleashed, with the availability to touch every older woman desiring of it!”
New Literary Circles specifically designed for older adults are now being formed throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Interested seniors desiring to share their love of literature are encouraged to join a reading group in their neighborhood. Occasionally, there are hurdles to overcome as physical obstacles, such as low vision, necessitate adaptations. Fortunately, an impressive range of assistive devices are available, including aids which enable an older adult to continue reading. Individuals requiring assistance with low vision needs are encouraged to participate. Mentors and volunteer leaders are also needed. For more information on joining a Literary Circle or becoming a leader, please contact Lori Williamson, Director of Christian Living Communities – Adult Day Services.
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Author: Lori Williamson Director, Adult Day Services,
Christian Living Communities
Lori Williamson can be reached at (720) 974-3575
or Email: lwilliamson@clcmail.org
Christian Living Communities(CLC) is a not-for-profit provider of senior living communities and services. It is a Colorado company which began in 1972 and owns five senior living communities in the southeast Denver and Centennial areas. It also provides home care services and has two adult day service locations. CLC touches the lives of more than 800 people on a daily basis with its continuum of care and services.
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