My Love Affair with the Written Word
By Janice Austin
I am in my Mother’s lap. She is reading in a soft voice. Some words I do not understand, but I feel their magic. I am transported to another time and place with fantasy creatures. This is when I believe the love affair started, the association of the written word with love and affection.
An image of being in my grandparent’s library appears. There were books on all walls. They seem to embrace me with warmth and feelings of love and safety. It is though I am wrapped in a cocoon of that warmth.
I soon learn that a diary was a safe place to express feelings. Many years of diaries and journals present a kaleidoscope of my life. It is as though my life becomes a slide show.
They include:
Riding a bus in Birmingham, Alabama and becoming aware of “colored to the back of the bus” and the drinking fountains saying “colored only”.
A birthday party in Knoxville, Tennessee.
An operetta in junior high school.
A new co-education in high school (going from Louisville Girls High): wearing uniforms, marching to class, writing poetry and then Louisville Manual High with cheerleading and boyfriends.
The University of Kentucky in the 50’s: Coaches Bear Bryant in football, Adolph Rupp in basketball.
Meeting Van Cliburn the famous pianist while working at the Louisville Orchestra.
Seeing Pappy Van Winkle walking the grounds at Stitzel Weller Distillery.
Years later, when I experienced the trauma of divorce, loss of income and home, I knew I needed to write about my challenges in order to forgive and heal. Starting Over is that therapeutic tool. I am finally free. My soul has been nourished and I can move forward with renewed optimism.
Now that I have reached the aging cycle, I find reading and writing more essential. They entertain, explain and sustain. They nourish and expand my soul. The journey continues. I am content in my world.
Janice Austin is a past president of the Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky. She has a BSW and MSW from the University of Kentucky and started her career as a Geriatric Social Worker at age 60. Now retired, she says her claim to fame are four children, four grandchildren, and her toy poodle Ella. Her memoir entitled Starting Over can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Over-Ms-Janice-Austin/dp/1500209880/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Janice+Austin&qid=1637515241&sr=8-2
