Laurels is A Collection of Prose and Poetry from Chelsea Retirement Community Writers in Residence.

Ten years ago, Rev. Charles Cookingham, Chelsea Retirement Community resident, Methodist pastor, and eloquent writer, began a Creative Writers Group for his fellow residents. His inspirational leadership and gentle encouragement set the stage for the group’s members to put pen to paper, giving form to their stories, thoughts, and dreams.

At United Methodist Retirement Communities, we celebrate life and seek out possibilities for our residents to learn and grow, at every age. We treasure their life stories and know that we have much to learn from their experiences.

The prose and poetry included in this publication represent childhood memories, life-long aspirations, and hopes for tomorrow. Some comic, some tragic, all offer insight into the lives of their authors, to whom we are most grateful.

The title Laurels and the elegant floral details in this publication hold several references for us: the laurel wreath as an ancient recognition of honor; and the term “poet laureate,” a poet particularly honored for his or her work.

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