BLESSINGS

Yesterday afternoon, as I listened to the wind howl and the rain come down in sheets against my windows, I was thankful for the phone call I received from my brother that morning, alerting me to a possible tornado threat. When  I had checked the weather earlier, the threat of a tornado wasn't mentioned. I was thankful that my caregiver was able to stay with me throughout the storm. I was thankful that my neighbor phoned to check on me. As disabled people, we like to say that we live independently. The truth is, the reason we are able to live independently, is because of the support system we have in caregivers, our family and friends. Without, a good support system, our living situations would be completely different. 

I'm thankful that the only damage I had was tree limbs down. I saw the devastation caused by storms that plowed through parts of the Midwest. I can't imagine what it's like to lose everything in a matter of seconds. One minute you have a home, the next minute you don't. The only positive thing about the situation is that you are alive. I pray I never experience that kind of loss. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

I don't remember many storms like the one we experienced yesterday. The rain passed quickly. The strong wind gusts lifted up the metal awnings on my house.  They came down with a bang. We sat listening to tree limbs snap and fall to the ground. We wondered how long it would last. The winds finally calmed and it turned out to be a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all the people who make it possible for me to live independently. I'm thankful that I have a home and that I am safe. It might be silly to write this, but I think sometimes we need to be reminded just how fortunate we are.  That's what the storm taught me. To appreciate and be thankful for what I have. It showed me just how truly blessed I am.

FIND YOUR PASSION

I haven't posted a blog in quite a while. That doesn't mean I haven't been writing. I have been making revisions to another children's story that I hope to publish next year, as well as putting in a few more hours volunteering at the library.  I submitted an editorial to The St. Louis Post Dispatch on the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2014, 

When it was suggested to me that I give my thoughts on this subject my first thought was that I was not qualified. All I knew was that the COLA would below, which meant retirees, and people with disabilities would receive less money in the coming year. How could I write 700 words on a topic I knew so little about?

I went to the reference section of the library. I got the information, I read.  I learned about the Cost of Living Adjustment, Consumer Price Index, and inflation. I began writing my article. I have bouts of depression at times. I noticed as I was writing my article, I began to feel energized. I had a purpose which was to write an insightful article. I hope my article makes the paper. If it doesn't, I am still happy I had the opportunity to write it.  I wrote about something well out of my comfort zone and I learned a lot in the process. 

Writing gives me a purpose. Sometimes, it’s the reason I get up in the morning. I'm working with an editor on my second children's book. I'm always excited to see their suggestions on how my book can be improved. 

I may get a little obsessed with my writing. That's because it is so important to me. I want what I write to be worthwhile. I hope that people who read what I write will learn something they didn't know before.

It's important for everyone to have something in their lives they are passionate about. It just makes you feel better. It's something to get excited about. It's something to share with others. I have met many wonderful people because of my book and blog. It's fun meeting others with whom you share a common interest.

I love writing. I love books. These are my passions. What are yours?