Maxine's Story
A Valentine
I wasn't a complete stranger to PCC Adult Education programs. Occasionally in the past I have taken an odd class or two---mostly for the purpose of being better prepared for something I myself had to teach or prepare for a Church assignment.
Like Petits Fours for instance. Now if you want to impress your friends, show up for a 'Ladies Afternoon Social' with one hundred professional looking Petits Fours! You will gain a reputation you'll never quite lose! But I strongly suggest you not even try it without the help of PCC. Nevertheless, when my dearest friend Eva Mertlich began to urge me to join her in a writing class, I resisted.
There was the time commitment for one thing. Time spent not only in class but also in preparing assignments. I was busy enough. Then there was the self doubt---my lack of education---or writing skills. My fear of sounding dumb---or worse---boring. What could I have to write about that could possibly be of interest to anyone outside my family? My concern that I would just embarrass myself! Eva was pretty persuasive. "Completely non-threatening" she said. It was the teacher I was most concerned about---after all she is going to spot my weaknesses right away! "Not Eva Gibson" she insisted---she will make you feel good about whatever you write!".
It took about thirty minutes into the first class to realize this was true. My doubts fell away and I began to look forward to this new experience. Then came the bonus! I know there were other people in the classes I've taken previously---fellow students. I have no memory of any of them, either positive or negative---complete strangers. They were before and they are afterward.
I will never be able to say the same for this current writing class! Each week I feel it more strongly. There is a bond developing that is very satisfying to me. I had not expected such diversity. We represent not only various countries and cultures, but also religions, education, political views, ages and interests of all kinds. It doesn't seem to matter. But it is the recognition of what we share that pleases me most. "I feel your pain" has become a political joke---and that is unfortunate---for we do indeed share one another's hurts. In this year we have experienced the loss of loved ones---the ultimate pain. While our backgrounds may be different, we share a surprising number of "life's lessons", as Jerri has so nicely put it.
I know the reasons for not using names. The problem of leaving someone out worries me. Especially when I could in fact, name you all individually and make positive comments about each and every one. For the sake of brevity I'll not attempt to do that. However---to make a point or two, how can I not mention those whose presence here has perhaps affected all our lives?
Will I ever again hear or read of the fate of Japanese Americans during WWII without remembering Mae? Mae with her unique story and her quiet dignity---and her skilled hands.
France is a far away country that seems just a little bit closer having heard the life stories of a young' Au Pair' living in America for only one year---but sweetly sharing her experiences of not only her journey here but also in her homeland. No, I will not soon forget Cecile.
Nor will I forget the class soon after September 11, when Yildiz openly and honestly shared her anguish over the terrorist attacks on the country she loves as much as she loves her homeland, Turkey---and her need to find an American flag! This group has witnessed Yildiz' s progress in writing---and expressing her feelings in her second language. A task daunting to anyone! This 'tribute' would not be complete without mentioning at least two of the women here who have become role models to me. (And there are definitely more.)
I do not expect to get through my life without the effects of the aging process. I suppose I will add on years, many I hope, to my present seventy three. At least I hope to if they are kind years---filled with reasonable good health and the ability to do those things which I enjoy---and in the company of friends and family.
Those who give me the most hope are those who are approaching---or have reached, ninety years---or more! Our lovely Fern---our beautiful Mabel. "Do you know how delightful you are?" Thank you for your example of aging with grace and with dignity. And for sharing your stories of another time.
To Elizabeth; my gratitude for the excellent poems you have shared with me. Poems with style as well as content. To Kit who also has the gift of poetry.
To Paul. Thanks for your good natured humor! Last week, after I had complimented him on his good job as substitute teacher, he laughingly said, "Oh Maxine---you are in love with me anyway!" It seems I paid him a compliment the week before also! Of course I am in love with him! Aren't we all---especially his darling Clare!
Yes we share our humor---we share our heartaches and our tears. Our stories reveal who we are not just where we've been or what we have accomplished. It is in the writing of our stories, and I suspect in the sharing, we find satisfaction and healing. We don't all have 'Hallmark' families. Bonnie will attest to that. Bonnie who never stops working---creating her incredible hand-crafted articles right here in class time.
My thanks to all of you! Somehow you don't intimidate me---but rather validate whatever I attempt. Thank you for your unfailing kindness. Thank you to a teacher who has been here for us through the most difficult of all circumstances, the illness and death of a precious son. A special thank you to Eva Mertlich for encouraging me to join your group just a little more than a year ago. PCC brought us together. I think they might be as surprised as I was to learn of the 'chemistry' that exists here. You are even more pleasing to me than Petits Fours!
I salute you all, my friends!
HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Pages 101 - 104
Website by Maxine