“The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.”~Hubert H. Humphrey, American politician
I need not have worried about losing my writing groups when I move away.
Last week, I informed John, the moderator of my Deadwood Writers critique group, that I’m leaving sometime in the next six months. What were his thoughts regarding my participation? After all, I’m writing for our group’s blog, editing bloggers there and submitting pieces for the group’s critique. Did he want me to step back? Did he need someone close by to be an effective contributor to the group? He’s the moderator, and I respect his input. Should I stay or should I go?
He said the best thing possible: “You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. You’re a part of our writing family.”
Family. I found it deeply touching that my contributions are valued. I’m a part of something more. He still wants me involved in whatever way I feel comfortable with, even though my physical presence will not be present. “We’ll keep you on the listserv for as long as you want,” he said. Yep, I’m there until he and the group chase me away.
I wonder if he heard me sniffling.
Through some communication error, I’m not on the presentation schedule for November’s Motown Writers Network meeting. I would have loved the practice of speaking in front of a group, but it’s not a big deal. I’ll attend and learn something new instead. I apologized to the organizer, Sylvia, about the mix-up and told her about my move. She welcomed me to all future meetings and tentatively put me on the calendar for March 2017. Perhaps I’ll still be around. Who knows?
I told the moderators of the Ann Arbor Emerging Writers group that I’m leaving. Co-moderator, Alex, tweeted to me that she hoped we could stay in touch. Hey, that’s what social media is for: creating a network of families.
