Finding the Sidewalk
For the past ever-how-many months I have achingly suffered from writer’s block. I have jobs that require me to type 750 – 900 words in a row that more or less connect to each other and – on top of that – have a theme. I simply don’t understand why they send me a paycheck except for the fact that my writing has agony written all over it and they feel bad about that.
Nobody is more aware of this than my family. Hence, my child-in-law sent me this message done in a fancy meme:
Holy damn cow. Sprinkle the holy water! I have been raised from the dead. Okay, maybe not dead, but certainly raised from the lethargic, so just sprinkle the glitter.
Within an hour of receiving that, I had outlines for three short stories, including one involving a love triangle between a veterinarian, a reporter, and the Luling Watermelon Queen, a feature story on never letting an expensive balconette bra interfere with your life, chapters 1, 8, and last chapter of a pretty good semi-sexually graphic cozy mystery, and a couple of long overdue thank you notes.
So, this is to thank my child-in-law. Buff, I’m not saying this because you’re my only child-in-law, but you are the best child-in-law ever. I know the change won’t happen overnight but thank you for showing me the sidewalk. I think I can get to the corner now.
Awwww. Tell your child-in-law thanks from all of us. And remember, all of us love you, too.
1Well and effectively done, by both you and that priceless child-in-law of yours. Full speed ahead, take no prisoners.
2If that is what it takes, I am glad. I sincerely missed your voice in the past months.
3It was the best of times and the worst of times . . . All great stories start somewhere! BTW, what kind of BBQ sauce? We may all need some!
4Our children, however related, really can be our best therapists and friends. Hooray, child-in-law for guiding JJ out of the fog and into the sun.
5Hugs JJ! You have got this!
6Texas BBQ sauce, of course.
7I’ve missed you, JJ. The guys are just not as good as you. Glad to have you back. Please send Buff a thank you from me.
8What a hoot!
9What Opinionated Hussy said. Welcome back JJ! The gentlemen who have filled in for you have been very good, indeed; but they’re not you.
10Lol, I like the attention grabber . Thank you .
11I am glad that you have Child in Law Buff and I LOLed at what she sent you. I am most grateful to you because you have saved my sanity for many years. Please take care of you and know that you are very loved. Love and fried okra, Deb B. in Alabama
12Just sending you love and blessings, “Juanita” querida. It’s been a rough time for you, but I have missed your voice.
13A day at a time……yea for kids! Hang as tough as you can.
14Since I began coming here you lost your Momma and Bubba Sr. PTSD is a sneaky creature, and can knock you off your usual routine. Writer’s block is certainly a possible symptom. I’m so glad you’re getting past it — grieving takes time and a lot of energy. As others have said, we love you and hope you keep healing. And three cheers for child-in-law.
15