I could relate to what you wrote on so many levels. In writing my memoir about the ten years I cared for my husband who had multiple sclerosis, I came to view those years through a different lens - one more distanced and more discerning. I realized the many ways I had grown and changed as I tackled the challenges of being his caregiver. It was empowering to write my story, and I hope it can inspire and empower other caregivers as well. It's called Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver's Transformative Journey. And what a journey it was!
Whoa. I'm stunned. I mean, I was so taken aback that I stumbled, which isn't that impressive, because I read whilst walking. JOKE. I'm joking. Which I write only because I'm new and not sure about the temperature... Sorry, just realized people read and walk all the time: their phone. I was picturing folks glued to a paperback and foolishly stepping into midtown Manhattan traffic. I'm such a lame luddite. I've been my sisters caregiver for 19 years, in fact, her alive day was Aug 17 2005. The phrase of "rewired one's neurocircuity" caught my eye. I'm trying to deal with the emotional knots and I'm burnt out. In need of extended break. Aside from a week hither and yawn... Ya get it. I enjoyed your words and thank you for giving me a new direction to research.
Dearest Abby, so many of our lives, outside of your family and close friends, were forever transformed by that day/night. I will never forget the gratitude I felt that TC survived, and because of you, thrived. And I am so grateful that despite the circumstances, I grew to know you and learn the true meaning of perseverance, both through your eyes and words, and through TC's indomitable spirit. And now we have a future president in-the-making to look forward to! Happy Alive Day Maslin Family!!
Thank you for this, Abby. I needed some inspiration as I revise the mucky middle of my memoir. As a matter of fact, I picked up LOVE YOU HARD today and read a few chapters to see how you handled the middle! .... Writing for me has been therapeutic. For so many years, I was focused on what my husband went through with his illnesses and the injustices that led to them (contaminated blood products), that I had not released my own trauma. The story is more than that of course, but it sure has been liberating to pour it all out on the page on my first draft.
Kathy. I'm so glad these words found you today of all days! Keeping pace in the middle is hard - the perfect moment for a little writing motivation. The world needs your book and I'll be so eager to read it!
I love the idea of writing myself out of the old one so a new story can emerge. I have a large part of my memoir written but it felt too big. Hoping to get back to it and think writing on Substack is a good way to write in bite-sized pieces. Thank you!
I think that's one of the hardest parts of the memoir writing process: drawing lines around the container that will hold your story, finding the focus and keeping the lens steady. Good luck in your writing!
I could relate to what you wrote on so many levels. In writing my memoir about the ten years I cared for my husband who had multiple sclerosis, I came to view those years through a different lens - one more distanced and more discerning. I realized the many ways I had grown and changed as I tackled the challenges of being his caregiver. It was empowering to write my story, and I hope it can inspire and empower other caregivers as well. It's called Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver's Transformative Journey. And what a journey it was!
Searching for your memoir now. And so happy to be connected to another caregiver/writer! It's nothing if not a journey of transformation.
Whoa. I'm stunned. I mean, I was so taken aback that I stumbled, which isn't that impressive, because I read whilst walking. JOKE. I'm joking. Which I write only because I'm new and not sure about the temperature... Sorry, just realized people read and walk all the time: their phone. I was picturing folks glued to a paperback and foolishly stepping into midtown Manhattan traffic. I'm such a lame luddite. I've been my sisters caregiver for 19 years, in fact, her alive day was Aug 17 2005. The phrase of "rewired one's neurocircuity" caught my eye. I'm trying to deal with the emotional knots and I'm burnt out. In need of extended break. Aside from a week hither and yawn... Ya get it. I enjoyed your words and thank you for giving me a new direction to research.
Joshua, 19 years of caregiving is an extraordinary feat. Thank you for reading. I have the deepest admiration for you.
Dearest Abby, so many of our lives, outside of your family and close friends, were forever transformed by that day/night. I will never forget the gratitude I felt that TC survived, and because of you, thrived. And I am so grateful that despite the circumstances, I grew to know you and learn the true meaning of perseverance, both through your eyes and words, and through TC's indomitable spirit. And now we have a future president in-the-making to look forward to! Happy Alive Day Maslin Family!!
Thank you, Linda! You've been an instrumental and deeply appreciated cheerleader every step of the way! We're grateful for you.
Thank you for this, Abby. I needed some inspiration as I revise the mucky middle of my memoir. As a matter of fact, I picked up LOVE YOU HARD today and read a few chapters to see how you handled the middle! .... Writing for me has been therapeutic. For so many years, I was focused on what my husband went through with his illnesses and the injustices that led to them (contaminated blood products), that I had not released my own trauma. The story is more than that of course, but it sure has been liberating to pour it all out on the page on my first draft.
Kathy. I'm so glad these words found you today of all days! Keeping pace in the middle is hard - the perfect moment for a little writing motivation. The world needs your book and I'll be so eager to read it!
I love the idea of writing myself out of the old one so a new story can emerge. I have a large part of my memoir written but it felt too big. Hoping to get back to it and think writing on Substack is a good way to write in bite-sized pieces. Thank you!
I think that's one of the hardest parts of the memoir writing process: drawing lines around the container that will hold your story, finding the focus and keeping the lens steady. Good luck in your writing!
I appreciate that! Hold the story, find the focus and keep the lens! Thank you!