I have read many of the slices each week on Two Writing Teachers and have been thinking for a while that I would like to try to document the "stuff" of my days. It's important because I have two strong reasons for wanting this record of my life.
I lost my mom when I was twenty two. I knew the inevitable was going to happen after she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer when I was a sophomore in college. My mother was a strong, determined woman. She lived to see me graduate with a degree in middle school education. I believe she "willed" herself to stay alive until she was sure that I was out of school with a job and a means of supporting myself and could take care of myself. I graduated in May and she passed away in October. I have very little left that celebrates my mom's life. My memories of her have gradually become hazy. I do not want my boys to wake up one day after I am gone just to realize they have nothing left of the life of their mom.
So I am accepting this challenge to write about my days, my calling as a Language Arts teacher in the community where I grew up, my wonderful family, and the essence of who I am as a person. I look forward to the difficulty as well the amazingly positive side of opening myself to this supportive community of wonderful people (and I know you are wonderful people because I've been reading your blogs). A challenge of saying something worthy of being read by others, but most importantly for me, a challenge to believe that I have something worth saying.
Happy Birthday to me!
I can't wait to read your stories. I know that years later when you look back on this month you will be glad you've captured these stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Katie. It's amazing how you post here and then sit on the edge of your chair waiting to see if someone will comment! You will hold a special place in my heart for being the first person to acknowledge my writing here! Thank you!
DeleteI'm honored that you shared this story with us. Wow, what a noble goal. I think this will become one of your favorite birthday gifts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing,
Ruth
Thank you, Ruth. I admire you and Stacey so much for the wonderful work you do with student and adult writers! This is such a nurturing place to be. I read your posts and they often give me the inspiration to go back in my classroom and wade through the messy process of writing with my 7th grades again the next day. Thank you for encouraging me (and all of us) as I explore my own processes through the Slice of Life story challenge!
DeleteHappy BIrthday, first of all. You were so brave to share this story with your first post. But you know what--you are right about the slicer communuty. This is an awesome group of people. I have never felt as supported as I have felt in the last year.
ReplyDeleteI love that you teach 7th graders. I taught them for 15 years before I moved to the high school. I absolutely love that age. Your students will appreciate the writing struggles you will go through this month. Keep sharing with them. It will be a growing process for all of you.
Can't wait to read you again~
Thank you, Deb. I feel as if I know so much about you, your husband, your classroom, and of course, sweet Chloe! I follow your blog and I especially love your talent for writing poetry that puts what I often feel myself into words! Thanks for being my "voice" while I remained quiet until I found my courage to speak! Thanks too for inviting us into your world and giving us a glimpse of your heart.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing your posts over the next thirty days!
Happy Birthday! Your writing is honest and purposeful. I hope that you will enjoy the challenge and discover something new about yourself through writing.
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks, Terje. I'm finding I'm already learning some things about myself and my writing. I know it's early on in the challenge, but I am excited to see if I can keep up with you "veterans." I'm also learning how to craft a better slice and be a better writer by studying what you guys do. I feel like I've already grown as a writer. :)
ReplyDelete