Writing this story that I did made me realize that I can try and take my real everyday life and turn it into a happy ending. I just need to stay away from those who create crazy drama. I need to stay away from people who are downers and try to suck me into their negativism. I'm going to try harder to be aware of those kind of friends, which really aren't true friends in the first place. My happiness is really my responsibility. I'm not allowing anyone to put anymore of their junk on my already full plate.
A friend of mine once asked me why I only watch movies and read books that are romantic and funny; that have happy endings. I told her that life is so full of hard times; I want to watch things that make me feel good, that make me laugh; it's like an escape to me. If I know that a story has a sad ending, I'm not going to go watch it or read it. Is there something wrong with wanting a happy ending?
Below is a picture of happy to me. This is my second child Ken (35 yrs. old), with his wife Natalie (32 yrs. old), and their three children Landon (7 yrs. old) on the left, Riley (10 yrs. old) in the middle and Kaylah (5 yrs. old) on the right.
They found out after their first child (Riley) was a few years old that he had Fragile X Syndrome. Natalie is a carrier of it but, she didn't know.
They decided that they were going to have no more children. But she was already pregnant with Landon, they were scared but they knew that they would be OK if he had it too. (He is a carrier of FXS, but does not have it). Before she could get her tubes tied she ended up getting pregnant again. Natalie was on birth control pills but she got sick from a bee sting and the pill stopped working so, they ended up with Kaylah (she is also a carrier of FXS but doesn't have it). I am so happy that they are all healthy and happy. Riley also has autism, which comes with FXS, but he's doing great.
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen some topics on writing and blogging, and also some other topics have sneaked their way in there. Family, and surviving an abusive relationship, as well as briefly touching on Fragile X syndrome and Autism. I’ve had experience working with individuals who have both. They will create challenges far greater than any you would ever consider, and will also evoke a depth of emotion and love that you never knew existed. (But I’m sure you know that already.) Speaking in love about your grandchildren, and briefly about their disability you help the rest of the world move toward an awareness of disabilities in a way that is gentle and honest, without excuses, or guilt or shame. As it should be. You have a wonderful family, who loves you deeply – that’s clear in the photos- Your writing about your family inspired me to write more specifically about my son, who I struggle with daily – the little stinker.
I’ve been writing for a while, (ugh 30 years now) but every time I sit down to work, I feel like I’m learning all over again. Sometimes I will even say I feel like a novice. That may be true, but it may not be after all. We are always learning something new. For example - I need to learn proper grammar. I’m grateful to know the difference between there, their, and they’re, but I’ll be dammed if I can get the commas in the correct places.
I see so much honesty in your writing, and I love that you give voice to the process. It makes me feel like I’m going through it with you- really scrutinizing the work. I’m hopeful to pay closer attention in my future blogs to punctuation and how things sound when reading aloud – with punctuation.
Thank you for your work Teresa, and thank you for your honesty. It’s one of the things I appreciate most about your work, it makes your fearlessness so much easier to see.
-Angela
Thank you Angela, that is so nice too hear! I really appreciate your comment.
ReplyDeleteTeresa :)