Subscribe to this blog's feedThere are few things so powerful in life, as when someone is able to conceive of a story, that they word smith into a book worthy of publishing. I cannot imagine the drive and determination required, as well as the developing and refining of so many skills that you never realized you possessed. As I enjoy writing, I find the whole adventure of a book as something that I will probably never attempt, because I just do not have any story in me (I do not count my own) that I wish to develop into an actual book.
So I remain in awe of anyone who can accomplish such a feat and I have been privileged to witness my “Mother-in-Law”, Dahris Clair, develop what originally started as a short story, and she took that idea and through her ambition, skill and determination, she has published her first book: “The House on Slocum Road.” Granted I witnessed the process from the outside, but Dahris and I are very alike in some ways, so I understand how proud she is that she finished her book and published it. While what I do is nowhere on the same scale, I understand the pride from sharing your views in a way that becomes worthy of other people reading it, because it elicits a reaction in them. To be able to take your readers by the hand and lead them through “your story” is very powerful indeed.
There is little that compares to the rush that comes when you share parts of your life, with others, through your own words. Dahris developed her book over the past seven years or so and a couple of forum members even have copies. I am biased, so I will not tell you how great of a book that it is and you can read about it all at Amazom.com (how cool is that for your first book???). Yet as great as this feat has been, I want Dahris to know that her book, to me, is just another step in an incredible life, because sometimes our dreams can obscure the reality that surrounds us daily and sometimes we need to see ourselves through the eyes of another.
Dahris has a very tender heart; some might even call her a “doormat” as she seems unable to utter the word “no” and gives far more than her share of help. But I understand her, because I am a “care-giver” just like she is and I know how difficult it can be at times to act in our own best interest. Dahris evolved from the “Greatest Generation” that formed much of the woman she remains today. If I had to reduce her to words it would be something like she exudes refined elegance, very genteel and proper, but also very worldly, open-minded and incredibly curious. She has so many interests and commitments and she is by far the most headstrong woman that I have ever encountered and sometimes she simply cares too much for her own good.
We can learn much from Dahris, because like us, she lives with very real challenges in her life, yet she has never let her health deter from attaining her dreams. Her life is a testament to the power we each possess to face our own challenges and still be able to dictate how we generally live our lives. I also believe that she serves as a valuable reminder, to all generations, that you are never too old to follow your dreams, as dreams are what propel our future.
She is presently considering writing her autobiography and with that comes introspection and knowing you Dahris, I am sure that you are once again measuring your life, against the same impossibly attainable goals that all parents use. To that end, allow me to leave you with some food for thought.
Dahris, you never need question the legacy of your life, because you have already left your mark upon my life, one for which I will always be grateful, by giving me Stephen. Whatever doubts you hold about your life, never loose sight of the fact that you were instrumental in giving me Stephen: a love beyond measure. You were the foundation that anchored your family together and it was your influence that helped to make Stephen the exceptional man that he is today. You instilled in him a true sense of curiosity, commitment and respect and demanded from him, a very high caliber of character. Feats much easier described than attained by most.
I have spoken before on how I believe that each of our lives represents a tapestry, with different threads that carry our traits and weave the life that we live. Each person in our life weaves their own thread through our living tapestry and in doing so they form additional bonds, some briefly, others forever. Dahris, you are the thread that weaves through our “family”, intersecting, influencing and continually weaving your “thread”, through the tapestry that we have become.
Publishing your book is certainly a milestone and it represents another great accomplishment for you, one of many more to follow I suspect. Even so, as you ponder your life’s history, never forget that it is you, Dahris, who will always be the thread anchoring our family, and as such, you will always remain the thread that binds. I can think of no greater legacy.
All my love… your “other” son.
