Eileen, I have often perused your about.com section and always thought your words were clear and true.
Yesterday I was talking with my husband about my own writing and how about 20-plus years ago I came to the nervous conclusion that I am a writer. I have not published a book, though I have two written and another couple on my hard drive waiting for me; have been paid but a few times for the thousands and thousands of words that have been published -- but I have no trouble calling myself a knitter. I learned how at age 9 and can go for long periods without knitting, but I am a knitter nonetheless.
I absolutely MUST write. Writing organizes my thinking because it has an agreed-upon structure. I can gather up the interesting bits of things beside the road all the way to the conclusion and because of the wonders of grammar and syntax, people can generally stay with me, unlike in oral speech, sometimes.
I admire your work, and I know the sticking to it has surely been an example to your son. My mantra to the silently weepoing child in the back seat for years (and still, more frequently than is good for a person), has been, "I do not always know what we are going to do to solve this. But I can tell you that I never, ever, give up the things that are inmportant. And you are important."
Thanks so much for your post. I remember the first time someone asked me what I did and I answered "I am a writer." Since then, I have found that I do consider myself a writer and it is a good feeling.
Life does have many twists and turns along the way and it is amazing to think that everything we have done up to this point has led us to this very moment.
As far as my son, he has his ups and downs, right now it is more up than down and that is a good thing. I will keep hoping and praying that he can continue on the track he is on right now.
Eileen
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Eileen,
I loved reading your story and learning more about you, your past and your early aspirations to become a writer. And now your son is wondering about his own dreams and which ones will come true.
It's never too late, is it?
Terry