Well-Spring resident Bonnie McAlister enjoys writing verses. She also likes to educate, and she values family. These three things contributed to her authoring her book, Both Then and Now.
The book was inspired by Bonnie’s recollection of family memories and the uniqueness of their path from her grandmother to mom and now her own unique journey. No matter the outcome and generation, they share the same stream of love. She says that when you have the love of family around you, this becomes the most important thing you could have. Kids and adults alike understand this idea, as she wrote the book for all ages to find joy in.
Bonnie sees that we can all find richness in our family’s history that has been woven into our strengths. For example, at the young age of 13, Bonnie’s grandmother, Amelia, arrived from Italy at Ellis Island and was met by a cousin in upstate New York. Her mother, Nancy, grew up in the coal fields of southwest Virginia but she wasn’t about to stay there. She wrote to nursing schools along the East Coast until she was accepted, became a nurse, and met Bonnie’s father, Raphael, an abdominal physician in Belleville, N.J.
Bonnie grew up down the road in South Orange, N.J., and has fond memories of her childhood. She recalls her mother reading poetry by best-selling author and poet James Whitcomb Riley. She also calls to mind her blind uncle, Rocco, and his love of opera and keen ability to identify family by cupping their faces in his hands.
“He would always invite kids to get a handful of gumdrops located in the tobacco drawer, which made for an interesting tasting candy,” Bonnie jokes.
Growing up surrounded by hard workers, Bonnie had a passion for education. After getting her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, Bonnie continued her studies through a Communications program at UNCG, in which she completed her master's degree. With the MBA under her belt, the Center for Creative Leadership was happy to have her for about 10 years. Bonnie also worked at Davidson College and, finally, Elon University School of Law before retiring.
Along the way, she met her late husband, Dan, who was Senior Vice President and General Counsel in Broadcasting at Jefferson-Pilot Corp. The couple had had five children.
The McAlister’s arrival at Well-Spring was earlier than predicted, as Bonnie was just “ready for the next chapter” and loved the environment the Well-Spring community had to offer.
The finishing touch to her writing came into play when attending a Health Care committee meeting at Well-Spring during which team member, Kate Mooney, Director of Home Care, made a presentation. One of Kate’s slides made quite an impact on Bonnie. When she commented on the photo, Kate told her this was an original painting she had created (not a photo!).
Bonnie loved the idea of collaborating with a team member and offered Kate the job of illustrator for her book. Bonnie showed Kate examples of the aesthetic of preferred children’s books. Then the length of the book was determined which led to the image count for Kate to start creating.
“From the beginning, we clicked,” Bonnie says. “We have similar personalities. We are eager to learn and love to laugh, and both found comfort in this adventure was something new for the both of us.
Within a few months, a book was born. And what a wonderful connection – having residents and team members working together, from different generations and walks of life.
This win-win team carried on after the blending of talents between author and illustrator into something we all can admire – a long-term friendship.