Norwalk senior goes from writing student to published author
Yolanda Adele practices creative writing in the office built by her husband, Victor. She published her memoir “History, Mystery, and Loving Memories” last month. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
NORWALK – Norwalk resident and author Yolanda Adele, 75, published her memoir “History, Mystery, and Loving Memories,” on Nov. 9 after participating in a creative writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center.
“When my granddaughter asked me why I write, I told her I write so my family could get to know me better,” said Adele. “There are so many times with my grandmother where I didn’t ask her a question when I had the chance. Now my grandkids can learn about me and find the answers in my book.”
As a creative writer, Adele needed an office space where she could work. She did not hesitate to ask Victor Adele, her husband of 59 years, to build her a private space so she can focus on writing.
“I just told him what I wanted, and he did it,” said Adele. “I call him my Houdini because I see him through the window of my office in the backyard, and then he disappears around the corner because he is always doing something.”
Even as she spoke, her husband was heard on the roof putting up their Christmas lights.
“To have a strong marriage, you have to look at some bad examples so you learn what not to do,” said Yolanda. “You have to love the other person more than you love yourself, that way you will be selfless.”
Victor, 77, ensured that his wife was more than happy with the office by building it exactly as she envisioned. He built an archway for a window, found a lawyers bookcase, and ordered the bookshelf wallpaper to place on the closet door. Mr. Adele also placed crown molding in the room and carved her first initial to the closet door frame.
In her memoir, Mrs. Adele details how she met her soon-to-be husband in her sophomore year of high school while he was a junior. After finally getting his attention, they started dating and got married on July 2, 1962.
Mr. Adele enlisted in the Marines, and was soon deployed to Vietnam after their wedding. Once he was discharged, the Adeles’ focus was on raising their two daughters, Yvette and Tina.
They found their home in Norwalk in 1972, and continue to live in the city after 43 years.
In her memoir, Adele illustrated how hard her parents worked to provide for their family and how it inspired her to work hard for what she wanted.
Adele says she followed in the footsteps of her mother and became a housewife, and took care of her family.
“Women have different dreams,” said Yolanda. “My daughters are educators, and my granddaughters have dreams, too. Mine was to build a nest for my family.”
While her father was not present due to work, Adele knew how much she meant to him.
“He always sought my approval. Whenever he would get mad and saw that I was upset, he would apologize quickly,” Yolanda recalled. “He did not say it, but he showed me that he loved me.”
After their children grew up, Yolanda decided to take a creative writing course at Cerritos College in the 1980s. Despite her enthusiasm, she was discouraged by the challenges she faced as assignments were online.
When Victor heard about her self-doubt, he bought her a computer and additional supplies she needed.
At Cerritos, Adele was reminded during a triathlon that hard work will make up for a lack of skills or talent.
Her P.E. instructor, Rea Black, gave Adele the award for women’s fitness triathlon despite her coming in last because of her determination to stay late into the evening to finish.
Carol Kearns and Yolanda Adele (courtesy photo)
“So many people helped me get to where I am. Such as Bonnie Mansell who created the Memoirs Group, Frank and Carol Kearns for believing in me, my grandparents and especially my husband,” said Yolanda.
Adele’s memoir also explores the lessons she learned during her childhood, poems for her grandchildren, short stories and essays.
In one essay called, “How I want to be Remembered,” Yolanda expresses the hope that Victor remember her as loving, loyal and thoughtful, and that her grandkids record their memories of her in their journals.
She says, “she did her best with the knowledge she possessed at any given stage in her life. That is legacy enough for me.”
Adele’s book is available on Amazon and from Los Nietos Press.