Helen Wade Alderfer has Book Published at Age 89

Poetry is Helen’s passion, outlet, healer, celebration, relaxation, and life-long hobby.  The Christmas present she received in 2007 was a letter from Cascadia Publishing House in Telford PA, that they had accepted her manuscript of poetry and would be publishing her book in 2008.  2008 was a long year as she waited for word and so for Christmas 2008, she got the published copy of her book.

The Mill Grinds Fine is the title of this collection of poems.  The book begins with 17 poems about her memories of Childhood.  Her parents are honored with a collection of 18 poems and then there is a whole section of hobbies, memories like The Two-Cent Copper Coin, The Bird Nest, Carver School—Room 37.  She spends time reflecting on life and ends the book with thoughts about mortality and the “winter years” of one’s life.

In her book, Helen writes “All of my experiences have been grist for the mill.  Whatever life brought to me, I put between the stones, not knowing how fine the mill would grind.”  “I wish I knew if I thought in poems before I could read or write.  My first poem was published in Beams of Light when I was eight. “  “I enjoy reading and writing many forms of poetry.  I have come to see that birth and death are both mysteries.”  Helen honors those mysteries with her poems.

Helen lives at Waterford Crossing Apartments in Goshen.  Even though her vision is diminished, she is armed with her typewriter and light board.  Staff and other residents are at times blessed with a special birthday poem created specifically for them.   At a recent book signing, she shared about the process of getting a book put together and had a friend read several of the poems from the book.  For more information about her book, contact Helen Alderfer at 1212 Waterford Circle, Apt. 802, Goshen IN  46526.  The price of the book is $12.95.