Local Senior’s Unconventional Path to Find His Voice through Writing

Rider with Khandice Morente, activities coordinator at Royal Oaks assisted living. Morente has been instrumental in helping Rider design and lay out his books, and self-publish his collections. – Courtesy photo

Anyone who’s pursued a creative endeavor knows inspiration can be fickle at the best of times. For some, it’s a slow, gradual buildup of momentum. For others, like William Rider, it begins in a single intense moment of clarity and passion.

In May 2013, at his residence at Royal Oaks senior living community in Bradbury, Rider awoke at 3 a.m. filled with words. Making his way to his desk, he grabbed pen and paper and began to write. For three months, at roughly the same time each night, he’d venture to his desk and compose a poem until he completed Love and Live: God’s Words Written in Poetic Form, his first book of poetry.

More than four years later, Rider, now age 95, has penned more than 1,300 poems and published four books all powered by his two sources of inspiration – faith and love.

For years, Rider kept a nocturnal schedule, transcribing his thoughts in the early hours of the morning. This year, he’s transitioned to writing primarily during the day, and recently completed 100 Thoughts of Love, his fourth – and favorite – collection of work.

Through faith and verse, and a stimulating environment, Rider has found a purpose in his retirement years, which studies have shown leads to a host of benefits for older adults. According to Rush University’s Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, having purpose in life may even help limit the effects associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Are you interested in speaking with this inspiring senior about his work, his motivations and what he’s planned for the chapters ahead? If so, please contact Ben Green at 913-754-2372 or bgreen@glynndevins.com.

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