| How many seniors can say they have their own Web site? Bernice Wood, 91, Sullivan, can. The Wood Shed at www.beachcombs.com/woodshed is the online home for Wood's ever-growing collection of self-penned poetry. Wood, a Miller's Merry Manor resident and former Central Elementary School teacher, said poetry is a relatively new passion for her. She picked it up at 84 because she just wanted a way to express herself. "I have had two open heart surgeries, and after the second one I thought that was it," Wood said. "The doctor said it would add 10 years to my life, and I thought, what could I do with 10 years that my family would cherish? So I started writing poetry." Wood's family and friends get to cherish her poetry in
regular doses sent via e-mail. Her granddaughter Laura Combs also
collected many of Wood's poems in a self-made book, so those who know Bernice
have a permanent reference for her work. |
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| Wood is proud of her work, but readily admits it's an
amateur pastime. "I don't know anything about poetry. I just try to make every other line rhyme," Wood said. "I write them on my computer and make lots of typos and send them to my granddaughter in Canada, and she edits them." Wood said she writes about everyday subjects, from chatting with a friend while shopping at Wal-Mart to the myriad choices offered by a visit to your local restaurant. Janet Grable, the activity director for Miller's Assisted Living, said the subject matter of Wood's poems has made them a hit with Miller's residents, who frequently get treated to readings at the home's events. "I've shared her (poems) with the residents, and they always just love it," Grable said. "She has a world of wonderful poetry." |
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