I Have Arrived
by FireMom ~ April 11th, 2008. Filed under: Adoption, Living Life.Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our feed.
If you have known me for any length of time, you know of my love affair with words and writing. I have memories of my sixth grade self, carrying around a notebook full of awful poems. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know that they were awful. I thought that they were the be all and end all of poetry. I am thankful that I had an emotional freakout and threw them all away sometime during my high school years. Then again, the emotional freakout should probably be referred to as a moment of clarity.
In college, I did a lot of writing for newscasts, both on our weekly news show and our daily radio newscasts. I didn’t have a lot of time to focus on my creative side but, hey, procrastination always wins out in college and I managed to find enough time to write some more bad, bad poetry. Some of this was encouraged and then caused by another awful poet that I dated at the time. (The highlight of these years is when a girlf friend and I found out that he gave us the same poem. Classy!) Poetry drama aside, I started actively working on personal narratives during this time. Not familiar with personal narratives? It’s the fine art of blogging, my friends.
I’ve been writing on line, in some form or format, since 2001. My writing has evolved in that time, growing and changing as I have grown and changed. Life has continued to give me new experiences to write about, to offer a voice to things that the general public is either not aware or not talking about in large numbers. I keep writing. I enjoy blogging, here, there and everywhere. Part of me has always wanted more than just some words on the internet, though I think those words can hold a lot of power. People are always nagging at me to write a book but I remind them that I have two small children and a pile of laundry that doesn’t seem to disappear. And so, I figured, my writing would always be a somewhat “local” thing for those that know me in real life or that I encounter in the virtual world.
Well, I have arrived.
I have a personal essay article published in the May issue of Redbook. Yes, Redbook. Magazine with a circulation of 2.9 million. While it is not yet on shelves, it will be hitting your local grocery store in a week or two. I received my advance copies earlier this week. Helen Hunt graces the cover (which pleases my Husband to no end).
I didn’t look at the return address as I was opening the package which was white and torn. As I realized what was inside, I ripped faster, yanking out both copies. I stared at the magazines in my hand. And then I saw a sticky note attached to a page. I flipped, found the article and found my essay. I read it. And I cried. Yes, I cried.
True, the words that I shared are emotional. I talk about how my motherhood has been shadowed, but not overshadowed, by the Munchkin’s relinquishment. It’s not an easy subject, especially to shove into approximately 300 words. And yet, I feel I did it justice. I hit on a bunch of different topics that are pertinent to our story without dwelling on any such one or putting my focus in the wrong place(s). I feel good about what I wrote (though I’m sure someone, somewhere will find fault in or with my words).
The best part? The piece came about because of my… blogging! The whole thing has given me a renewed respect for the genre of writing that journalists want to write off as fluff, unimportant and not “real” writing. I’ve been writing my doupa off on the internet for years and years, taking things public in 2005-ish. I’ve often wondered if anything that I have said made a difference, if anyone was listening. I’ve written about being down in the dumps because of the feeling that my writing was nothing, that it would help no one in the end. But, for the time being at least, those fears are proven false. I’ve made some sort of difference. And I plan on continuing on in the same fashion.
I’m proud. I shared more over here. But I’m proud. I feel as if I’ve “done good.” I’ve made some small differences before and this is just another one to add to my list. I’ve continued to make strides in the past five years that I never would have imagined myself making. I never would have painted myself as a birth mother, a reformist or a published writer. But here I stand. Proud.
The only question that remains, of course, is: What’s next, FireMom? What’s next?
April 11th, 2008 at 9:03 am
That is so flipping awesome! You must be so proud! I will make sure I get a copy and say I (didn’t) know you when.
BTW, I’m glad you are able to show your perspective to the world. I think more people need to hear your message.
April 11th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Good for you! Can’t wait to find & read it.
Becky’s last blog post..Why ‘American Idol Gives Back’ is creepy
April 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Oh YAY FireMom!!!!! I am soo excited for you. I will grab my copy as soon as I see it.
Congrats! You give me hope for my own efforts!
Reesie
Reesie’s last blog post..All that Glitters is Ritzy Glitzy
April 11th, 2008 at 10:00 am
You done very good. Congratulations and make sure to throw a big ol’ party!
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..All the Kids in the Pool, Please
April 11th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Yay! I’m so excited for you! I will definitely get a copy of this one
congratulations!
April 11th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I am so proud of you! I can’t wait to purchase a copy and show it to people I know, saying, “I know her!”
I’ve been following you through the virtual world for several years now and you should know you’ve had a huge impact on me. I really admire your strength, FireMom.
Chrystal’s last blog post..Back from DC
April 11th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Congratulations!! You really have arrived. I may have to buy a Redbook just to see your article!
Jamie’s last blog post..“Babies are such a nice way to start people.” - Don Herold
April 11th, 2008 at 11:16 am
That’s fantastic! Congratulations. Can’t wait to see the mag.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I’ve often wondered if anything that I have said made a difference, if anyone was listening. I’ve written about being down in the dumps because of the feeling that my writing was nothing, that it would help no one in the end. But, for the time being at least, those fears are proven false. I’ve made some sort of difference.
You have most certainly made a difference. Don’t doubt it for a minute.
That said, I’m terribly pleased for you. I understand how something “official” can make it real. Congratulations!
April 11th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I am SOOO impressed and excited! I can’t wait to grab a copy (and I love Helen Hunt.)
I’ll tell all my friend about it! I ‘know’ the author in an article in a magazine! I’m so cool!!!!
StorkWatcher’s last blog post..Now THAT’S What I’m Talkin’ About!
April 11th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I’m so happy for you!
I am going to be on the look out for the magazine now!
April 11th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Wow Firemom! That is impressive!
CC’s last blog post..Funny Friday: Oh, the 70’s!
April 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Way to go, FireMom! I had Redbook in my hand yesterday but had no idea you were in it! I’ll have to go back and purchase it!
April 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Congratulations!! From awful junior high poems to Redbook! That’s quite the leap. You’re an awesome writer, though, and it’s good your story is out there.
ValleyGirl’s last blog post..friday fun
April 13th, 2008 at 9:13 am
That is soooo awesome!!! I can’t wait to read your story. If Helen is on the cover, I better hide it from Hubby.
April 13th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I commented on your other blog but I just wanted you to know how happy and proud i am for you (I know you don’t know me but I read your blog and I love it). This is just so great. Congratulations.
Beth’s last blog post..Ouch! There’s a hole in my head!
April 16th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Congratulations, Momma!
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April 16th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Congratulations!! I just found you this past winter while we patiently awaited our baby boys, your perspective and peace helped me hold it together thru a miserable pregnancy, thank you
April 16th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Congratulations!! How exciting
April 17th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Rahshell; Thank you for your kind comment. I hope everything is wonderful now.
April 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
You Go Girl! That is quite a leap and very impressive! Now the whole world gets to hear what you have to say…
Melissa in Mel’s World’s last blog post..I am…
April 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Congratulations!!! That is flipping amazing!!!
I think your writing makes a huge difference. Keep on writing, girl!!!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I just got the issue today. I read it at work - couldn’t wait. ONly 2 of the stories in that article though so far.
I’m so excited to say I “know” you! You have helped me show people that they have certain stereotypes about birth mothers. You provide a great way for me to discuss adoption with people.
I’ve already loaned my copy out to a friend and will be sharing with others.
Thank you for speaking out. YOu will have no way of knowing how many people’s hearts you will touch with this personal glimpse into your life - adoptive moms, expectant moms, birth moms, and others.
StorkWatcher’s last blog post..HE NAPPED !!!