No excuses…
I should have been here.
I apologize.
I offer the following not as a means of justification, but simply to let you all know what’s been happening with me in a meager attempt to break the proverbial ice once more and jump-start my lifeless blogging heart.
As many of you know, my mother has faced some challenging health issues this past year. In many ways, it’s hard to believe it’s been a year — seems like it just started yesterday, and yet, seems like we’ve been at it for years. It has been exhausting for her, and — I’m ready to admit — for myself, as well. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy to care for someone who is sick. It is not easy. It is excruciating to watch someone you love battle pains and ills of which they never speak. It is absolutely excruciating. I probably need some therapy when all is said and done.We have made progress, however, and we are (I believe; I hope) on the last stretch of this journey. In recent weeks, however, we’ve been through another major surgery and are now hip-deep in the muck of recovery and physical therapy. Lord, be with us. My mother is the strongest woman I know, and yet I know that if we asked her, she would tell you she doesn’t feel strong. Please continue to pray for her as we chase the light at the end of the tunnel.
I haven’t spent near the time writing that I’ve needed. This, at least, should comfort you; it is not merely the blog that I’ve successfully avoided, but almost every aspect of writing. I think I’ve written one poem since I last posted here (sad, right?), and though I have worked on Wicket, I’ve not made any significant progress — I’m still battling Davon’s Cat and other twists.
I’ve exchanged a few emails with some of you, which have been a great encouragement to me. The writing prompts/challenge seemed to really spark interest with several of you. Though the daily posts were a challenge to me (and I doubt I would do that again), I am going to begin a weekly series of writing prompts for those interested. If that’s you, and you’re on the edge of your seat, crying, “That’s me, Sarah! That’s me!”, then please reach out to me via the Contact page or email — barefootedsemmie[at]gmail[dot]com — and make sure I know that you want in. No Amazon gift cards to give away this time, but I may sneak some freebies in for those who participate!
Speaking of — Congratulations to everyone who participated in the August Write Away Challenge! I loved reading your responses to the daily prompts, and I’m proud of your commitment to daily writing! Heidi, who didn’t intend to participate but found she couldn’t help herself, won the Amazon gift card and was notified by email. The rest of you should have received an email from me with a free gift — if you did not, please reach out to me.
If you’re just chomping at the bit, eager for more prompts, please check out Volumes I & II of The Sunday Memories Series. These are not professionally printed, and you won’t find them in your public library; they are printed for my nieces and nephews to have bound copy once I’m gone. They are, for all intents and purposes, only a family book. They are literally books full of prompts, however, and my response to the prompts. Volume II – Rooted – is perhaps my favorite collection of my own writing thus far. Volume I – Belonging – is where the prompts began for me and is currently 15% off (snag that up while you can!).
Let me hear from you, friends!
And don’t let me disappear for another two months. Ever.
From the shores of Wicket Lake,
I myself know what it is like to take care of a sick parent. It is one of the hardest undertaking anyone will do. it hurts your heart, your soul and you physical well being. After taking care of my father for 5 years, each one being more difficult than the last I lost him. It is funny though, one of the hardest things I ever did turned out to be one of the things I am most thankful for. I consider myself lucky that he continued to be in the right mind until the end. You hang in there and REMEMBER.. If there is no better example than, “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”.
Thanks, Mel! You’re absolutely right… and I’ve seen the same thing: Though this has been the hardest thing I’ve had to face in my life so far, it has also been one I’m most thankful for. We came very close to losing my mother when the doctors didn’t know what was happening… I think of that every time I feel overwhelmed; it reminds me how very blessed I am to still have my mother (who is too young to go, anyway).
Love you, Mel! Good to hear your voice!
I am glad you are back!!
Thanks, Mel! Me, too!
Lovely to see a post from you Sarah. The August Write-Away was great fun. I was completely out of sync with it, but I loved your prompts.
I am sorry to hear about the challenges you have been dealing with. So sad. I am sure you are giving your best to being with your family and you will never regret giving your family your all.
Thanks, CC! It feels good to be back! I was delighted to have sparked your interest with the prompts. That’s what they’re for… it’s not always about responding to them on the same day; it’s about getting those juices flowing and inspiring you to write and to WANT to write!
Thanks for your kind words. I am exhausted, truly… but you’re 100% right—I’ll never regret the time I’ve given to help my mom through this. People are more important than anything!