I've recently begun writing a memoir. It's not official, because I'm not sure I have enough to say, but I've been working on it for a bit, and thinking about it more. At this point it's a very rough draft, and seems closer to a coming-of-age story than anything else. It also needs a lot of work.
The story begins in high school when my father was diagnosed with cancer. He died one month before I graduated. While my high school experience was different from that of my friends, I believe it's a story worth sharing. Part of it may serve as an apology for ignoring some important aspects of my life, and other parts may explain my less-than-stellar behavior and study habits.
I also consider it a healing journey. Outwardly, I handled the situation with grace. Inwardly, however, I was kind of a mess. When I began college I didn't do well, and it took a while for me to get back on track. Within that context, the word journey feels right.
I've figured out a lot of what I want to say, but came to a complete halt this past weekend when I heard one simple question: why? Why write a memoir? Why is this important, and why would people want to read it? After some soul-searching, I realized many people have a similar story to tell. I hear my own students talk about their own issues with family, and see comparisons. So why me? What do I have to say that others haven't already?
And then it hit me. Even though there are many stories like mine, maybe my story will help someone. That simple answer was enough to keep me going.
Mary Horner has begun a memoir that she hopes will help someone else dealing with a difficult situation.
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The story begins in high school when my father was diagnosed with cancer. He died one month before I graduated. While my high school experience was different from that of my friends, I believe it's a story worth sharing. Part of it may serve as an apology for ignoring some important aspects of my life, and other parts may explain my less-than-stellar behavior and study habits.
I also consider it a healing journey. Outwardly, I handled the situation with grace. Inwardly, however, I was kind of a mess. When I began college I didn't do well, and it took a while for me to get back on track. Within that context, the word journey feels right.
I've figured out a lot of what I want to say, but came to a complete halt this past weekend when I heard one simple question: why? Why write a memoir? Why is this important, and why would people want to read it? After some soul-searching, I realized many people have a similar story to tell. I hear my own students talk about their own issues with family, and see comparisons. So why me? What do I have to say that others haven't already?
And then it hit me. Even though there are many stories like mine, maybe my story will help someone. That simple answer was enough to keep me going.
Mary Horner has begun a memoir that she hopes will help someone else dealing with a difficult situation.
