From the Heart…

I rather love this picture, Dale Rogerson. Rochelle, your painting just ROCKS!

It’s that time again! Time to gather around the table and share some juicy tidbits of fiction with the folks of Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the lovely and talented Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. You can find other small tales of wonder, and danger at: rochellewisoff.com. Come on out and join us! This week’s photo is loaned to us by : Liz Young

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This is not your typical Fri Fic.

This picture reminded me of the doors that open in our lives… and one of those doors for me was Friday Fictioneers. I started in College (between 1998-2001). At the time I was in school to re-learn how to read, write, and all those other things my brain injury stole from me. I remember my English prof, Mr. David Grant, making a deal with me that if I attempted Fri Fic once a week I didn’t have to write the journal for class. At the time, even 100 words was daunting, let alone the two page requirement for the journal. So, of course, I accepted his deal.

And so the door to the realms of Fri fic opened for me. At first, I was terrified. I could barely compose a sentence… and “they” wanted 100 words! I think my first entry was one sentence with less than 10 words… but, those were hard earned words. As the weeks progressed, I added more sentences.

I still remember the first full paragraph. I was so excited that I printed it twice. I turned in the first copy, later returned to me with a 100% grade and written across the bottom of the page was “You CAN do this” with the “CAN” underlined several times. I framed it and it hung above my desk until we had the fire. I was so very proud.

Writing wasn’t the only door to open, though. I found people… ALL of YOU! That was the best part. I’d never been told that I did well at anything before. I’d rarely, if ever, spoke to anyone that I didn’t have to. (and speech was just as hard as writing, something else I had to relearn…this time, in English).

Yes, those first entry were atrocious. I didn’t know what grammar was. I couldn’t tell the difference between an noun and an adjective… but I learned through y’all. I gained confidence in my abilities, and a decrease in the fear to try new things… like walking, climbing stairs, making a pot of coffee.

So, I just wanted to take this week to say “THANK YOU!”. The words hardly convey the depth of care I have for each of you. You’ve been in my prayers every day, sometimes several times a day when I know You aren’t well, or are hurting. I am so thankful to be here, to be able to write… to share this little bit of me with you. THANK YOU! Again, and as always…. May God bless and keep you in His care- Bear.