Every so often someone will ask the question, “why do you write this blog?” And sometimes I also get asked “why do you like writing so much?”
I can remember learning to write my name, and how excited I would get about pencils and paper. I can also remember learning to write in cursive, then writing stories, writing essays, and eventually, I wrote a massive paper that had meaning, had a big part of my heart, and ultimately helped in gaining a master’s degree.
Writing has been a lifesaver more times than I can count. Although I am old school and prefer the pen and paper method, I use a computer from time to time.
In fact, because I enjoy writing so much, I teach others how to do it (or rather, how to begin, understand, and communicate effectively).
I also enjoy writing so much, I started this very blog. I’ll admit, it was hard, the language wasn’t loving at times (maybe a little tough love), and the tone may not have been super sincere. I was frustrated. I needed to find a way to communicate with people, and also give people an opportunity to understand what life is like for my husband, a veteran.
So, you might be connecting dots now—my writing has helped me understand Veterans, service dogs, PTSD, and even the impact of all this on my own life.
We (my family) have an amazing journey, and I think we have a pretty great story to share with others. What seemed like dark and dreary times have proven to give us building blocks for comfort and healing. We’ve had moments of learning (from one another) and we’ve worked through difficult times where PTSD has caused some problems.
Writing has helped me explain trauma, PTSD, and the challenges that come with it all. Because of writing I have met some amazing friends who have helped me grow as a writer and as a person. I’m thankful for organizations like NCTE, the National Coincil of Teachers of Education, they give a teacher like me an opportunity to attend conferences and connect with those who share a similar passion for writing.
I think if writing were a person, we’d be besties sharing coffee, laughs, stories, and tips on writing.
Because of writing I am sharing these glimpses into our life. I thank each and every one of you who have been with us on this journey. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.
Writing opens so many doors. If you feel like you can’t write, you are not alone. I encourage you to jot down some moments from your day, think about what you’d like to say, but maybe can’t…writing it down could help. Journaling, making lists, writing letters…any little bit you can get out and do helps.
Writing is powerful. Writing can allow you to tell a story.
The first photo is from the very first writing conference I attended. I also wrote a masters thesis on war narratives and trauma in literature. The other pictures are just a few favorites. Sam was able to share his story with a group of people, and the final is a composition notebook. At times, notebooks like the one pictured have been my closest friend.