[Critique Group 2] My explanation--thanks for taking the time to read

[Alice Massa]

Good Monday morning, Brad and Joan (with copy to Leonard):

Preliminarily, I want you to know that I did call Valerie earlier this 
morning, but was only able to leave her a message. Of course, I had 
hoped to be able to share my news with her and talk with her about her 
updates before writing to you, Brad and Joan. Due to my already delaying 
this letter since Friday of last week, I will share my news which no 
longer is news; more importantly, at this point, I want to share with 
you my explanation for leaving Group 2 after nearly seven years.

Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to read my explanation. Since 
I became BOE president in 2021, in the midst of my third move in 17 
months, I pondered seriously leaving Group 2. After leaving the office 
of president, I thought I would have time to type and e-mail my brailled 
notes with critiques for the group; however, each month has passed by 
without my being able to take the time to do so. Nevertheless, this 
point is only one small one in the variety of reasons for my leaving the 
group. Again, in January, I had planned to give my notice, but delayed 
again due to some other circumstances. At that time of the onset of the 
new year, I even spoke, in confidence, to someone whom I thought might 
be interested in joining the group and whom I thought would be a very 
good fit for the critique group. Later, I still thought of leaving Group 
2, but decided I could not when a new person was joining the group as I 
did not want Dawn to think that I was leaving because she had joined the 
group. When Dawn decided to leave the group on this past Thursday, I 
decided that she had also opened the door for my opportunity to leave 
because I firmly believe that bringing in two new people to such a 
long-established group will be better for the new participants to blend 
into the long-established other members of the group. I also thought 
that with all of the new members who are actively participating that 
finding new members for Group 2 would be not at all challenging. I feel 
assured that Group 2 will progress well and strong with the four of you 
and two new members.

I do not feel that giving you my list of reasons for exiting the group 
at this time is really necessary. Nevertheless, I do want you to know 
that I e-mailed Dawn on Thursday; and we arranged to have a phone 
conversation on Friday evening. We did have a nice conversation. Most 
importantly, I want you to know that when Leonard called me on Friday 
morning, I told him that I was planning to talk with Dawn that evening 
and mentioned to him what I would discuss with Dawn. Secondly, I 
definitely requested from Leonard or told him that I would like to wait 
until today, Monday, to tell the rest of the group my decision about 
leaving the group. I recall mentioning this point twice in our 
conversation because I wanted to be fair to all members of Group 2 and 
show my respect to all members of Group 2. Moreover, I thought that 
sharing my news was my choice, my place. Allowing me to share my 
decision would have been a courtesy to me, and I am disappointed that I 
was not given these few days to tell you myself. Why did I want to 
delay? Well, with the ending—grand finale of NPM which has been so 
important to me—and with needing to write and post the lengthy BOE May 
Calendar, along with other activities planned for the weekend—I did not 
want to have to add one more item to my to-do list. I wanted to be able 
to give sufficient thought and time to composing my letter to my friends 
of Group 2. I knew I would not have such time over the weekend. Thus, I 
asked for the delay; unfortunately, the time was not given to me. I 
apologize for your receiving my decision from me at this later date. I 
hope you will understand the circumstances. If you have any questions, 
you are most welcome to telephone me: I will be happy to talk with you.

I will, I know, miss our monthly sessions, your compliments, and your 
suggestions for my work. I will miss the group sharing and friendship. 
However, after almost seven years, I believe now is the time for me to 
move on to some other things which, at this stage in my life, I need to 
get to doing and not continue to put off. I have known for a while that 
I need to cut out some activities so that I can make room for new 
activities of growth and learning. I need to meet a few more of my 
goals. My 73^rd year seems to be such a turning point, and I thank you 
for understanding.

I sincerely thank you for your group friendship, your time in reading 
and commenting on my pieces, your sharing about poetry and writing, and 
your good cheer and laughter which have brightened many of my days 
through these past years. I will remember so many of our sessions very 
fondly. Most of all, I wish you all the very best as you continue your 
fine writing and work with Group 2. I do feel privileged to have read 
your writing. Thank you for all that you shared.

I know we will continue to work together in other ways—RW and other 
committees—in Behind Our Eyes. Knowing this makes leaving Group 2 an 
easier decision.

(P.S. Eventually, after I talk with Valerie, I will let you know that I 
have shared my news with her.)

Best wishes for a happy, creative, and productive May!

Alice

May 1, 2023, Monday
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