The Challenge of Change
I worked my last day in management in mid September. Two days later and for much of the next month, I was privileged to be with my family, tending to Dad. He went "home" on October 16, 2012 (the Catholic feast of St. Margaret Mary.) Our time with him was precious and, as he would say, having us all together under one roof was also "nuts."
The expression "God writes straight with crooked lines" comes to mind. Our experience and time with Dad only deepened my sense of purpose in my new career.
The following page was taken from a website that I am still developing. Well, except for minor tweaks, it is ready. Mostly, I am twirling a shoe on the end of one foot, mustering the moxie to write this "out loud." Moonitude is home, the place where I want to do that...
The Journey to My Mission
I wrote.
As I wrote of events and experiences, it helped me to order my feelings, even make sense of life sometimes. My journal was whatever was in reach, a notebook, gum wrappers, napkins, and the backs of paper place mats.
As I grew older, I wanted to go to college to study all things writing, but I was encouraged to get a real job first.
So when I was college age, like all aspiring writers, I went to beautician school. And under the advisement of my aunt, I took a course in manicuring, so that I could be exposed to hair.
When I received my manicurist diploma, I landed a job as a secretary in New York City.
Writing was my side obsession, and I took classes for enjoyment throughout the years. After I was married, and as our sons grew independent, I went to court reporting school, because I loved code, language, and the title "The Guardian of the Record."
In court reporting school, my English professor submitted a piece that I wrote to a national trade magazine and it was published. An excerpt was later used in another article written by the same teacher. The entire piece was then used in the schools new student welcome package. I felt proud that my small piece that spoke of the challenges in school was so well received.
I court reported for five years and jumped one more career hurdle through retail until I was led to where my heart was all along, the "write" career.
A dear mentor and friend later said, "Do not regret or look back at the time that's passed, because each experience builds your portfolio of knowledge."
My family and my life experiences have shaped me into the person that I am today. The organization and editing that was required in my court reporting career helped prepare me in many ways for what I am most passionate doing now, helping others to become the guardians of their own, unique story.