A Life Interrupted by Illness

Did anyone ever tell you, “Be careful what you wish for or you may get it?”

A few years ago, I stared at the wall  and wondered what it would be like to be able to write all the time. I complained to God how I had all these stories and no time to tell them. If only I could dedicate more hours to my noble goal.

Then three years ago as I was staring at another wall, it happened.  I had just wobbled away from a memorable rendezvous with a lumbar puncture and my first of many dates with MRIs and neurologists to learn Multiple Sclerosis had knocked on my door and given me what I wanted.

I had been given a life interrupted. Circumstances dictated I would now write full-time.

Now I don’t have to answer to anyone but me…and deadlines for a dozen copy writing jobs that pay pittance, and revision requests for projects I thought long competed, and my work in progress that clamors for the scraps of my time, energy, and brain power. Every so often I stare at the wall and wonder what it would be like to work all day at something else so I could home at night and concentrate on that next story I want to tell.

MS has presented some unique challenges to writing.  Though I put in at least eight hours a day writing, it doesn’t happen in nice neat span from 8 to 5. Chronic fatigue dictates I work in spurts of manic keyboard tapping interspersed with equally lethargic couch crashing.  Just to keep things interesting there are also some fascinating cognitive issues that raise their head at times.  Typos I would never have made a few years ago follow my writing like gnats on a wet Florida summer afternoon.

Though it sounds like I’m complaining, I promise you I am not. This time in life has taught me much I about myself.  And, examining one’s self is sometimes a far better writing coach than any workshop one could possible attend. Things are gradually getting better. I have more stamina today than a year ago and sometimes I even forget I have MS. When that happens God graciously allows me to trip on a rock and fall flat on my face to remind me why he let me hit this wall in the first place.

So if you are staring at the other side of this wall as I stare back at you may I suggest something to the both of us? We’re writers so let’s just write. And to those who are not writers, perhaps God will interrupt your life and send you a different direction one day. Until then do what you do with all that you are.

Now there’s a story that needs to be told more often these days.