One of my writing instructors, from long ago, often quoted Mark Twain. She’d say, “Write what you know.”
There’s wisdom in that. We really can’t write what we don’t already know. Even fantasy and fiction draws from our own life experiences.
I’ve been at a loss for words lately. I know things. I have stories to share but they’re obstructed.
Is there a creative roto-router? You know…something I can use to loosen up and smooth out this damed up, constricted pathway that hinders my words?
Write what you know…
All I know is what is happening within the four walls of my home.
It’s been a difficult 6 months here. If you’ve been reading my blog, especially pre 2018 and before I took a 4 year hiatus from this community, you know about the medical journey my husband, Bob, has been on and my role as his caregiver.
The last month has presented some new challenges for us. One particular hard day in December, Bob sat on the sofa struggling to breathe. I walked over to reposition him and I tripped over his oxygen tubing. He’s never needed oxygen before so this is a new fixture in our home. My foot caught the tube and before I knew it I was flying across our living room and landed on both of my knees. The hardwood flooring didn’t cushion the blow.
I sat there and wept, criticizing myself for being so careless. Then Bob wept. We were both exhausted. Thankfully I didn’t break anything and when I managed to get up, I grabbed my Bible and sobbed, we need to pray, Bob.
As I walked toward him a 3×5 card fell out of my bible. On it were the words:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
It’s a familiar verse that has helped Bob and me through some tough spots over the past 6 years
I hadn’t read it recently but it was just what I needed…what we both needed.
Bob said, “That’s God. He’s letting us know that we’re not alone.”
Two days later we received a card from my daughter-in-law’s aunt. We’ve only met her once but she sent cards to us after Bob’s bone marrow transplant and again after his open heart surgeries.
This one was precious. She wrote a lovely hand written note saying she was thinking about both of us and that our journey helped her and her husband stay positive during his journey through cancer. Sadly, he passed away last year.
At the end of her note she shared her favorite verse that she clung to and recited throughout the day to stay calm and hopeful during the most difficult days of her husband’s battle. It was the same verse that fell out of my Bible … Isaiah 41:10.
So this is what I know. God is listening to our prayers. He’s still with us in this struggle and telling us not to be afraid.
Blessings,
Pens and Journals 