Chicken Soup for the Soul has long been known for its uplifting stories.
With over 250 books since 1993, numerous people have shared their stories with people all over the world.
Local writer Lynne Tuner can now say she is one of those storytellers.
Turner’s story “Eighty-Year-Old Volunteer” is one of 101 stories that were published in the latest installment of the Chicken Soup series, Volunteering and Giving Back.
Turner wrote about who her mother Iowna, who at the time Turner wrote the story, was actively volunteering at Grey Gables long-term care home in Markdale.
At 80, Iowna still loved to go to the home and donate her time.
“I just think it’s quite inspirational,” said Turner, who wrote in her story that it is her mother’s “personal mission to talk each and every one of the residents into taking part in the church services and musical entertainment programs in the common area.”
Turner, former editor of the Mount Forest Confederate and current freelance writer for the Wellington Advertiser and Dundalk Herald/Flesherton Advance, said she missed writing and wanted to continue.
“I was very surprised when (the publishers) called and said they were going to use it, pleasantly surprised,” Turner said.
Her mother was not surprised, however, even though she did not know about the piece until it was published.
“I didn’t know about it but it didn’t surprise me because she often wrote about the family in her Newspaper columns and she wrote them for years,” said Iowna.
While she is no longer volunteering, stopping shortly after her 80th birthday, Iowna encourages others to volunteer.
“It gives you something to do and think about and places like nursing homes need volunteers,” she said.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Volunteering and Giving Back was released on Aug. 18. Lynne has another story she submitted to Chicken Soup that was accepted and will be published in October.
