Sunday, December 16, 2012

Gratitude by Arlene O'Neil


In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy in Connecticut on Friday, I think it appropriate to end my month-long series devoted to feelings of gratitude with author, Arlene O'Neil's story, a story that began when she was a child.  As we mourn the losses of those twenty precious children in Newtown, let us not forget the traumatic effect the event will have on the children who survived physically, but whose souls were wounded by the tragedy.  Let us also keep in our prayers the children of the adults who lost their lives that awful day.  And now I turn the page over to Arlene:     
 
I believe I became a writer at birth, or at least shortly afterwards.  An accident as a child landed me in a “crippled children’s home” for almost two years and on crutches for a year.  Being different, set apart, treated with kid gloves, left me with many negative messages, but also left the door wide open to my imagination.  Reading, writing, and creating became my best friends.  I would compose short stories or plays in order to try to fit in with others.  As I aged, my sense of humor expanded and so did my writing skills.  I write the truth; I write from the heart.

         While recovering from numerous hip replacements over the years, I always had legal pads and pens near me.  Two briefcases are filled with notes just waiting to grow up and become stories or books. Being different, being physically handicapped for so many years, I have developed an empathy for others in the same situation and always encourage them to write or speak of their experiences.   Physical or mental challenges are lessened when shared, just as pain and heartbreak can be divided by two if you have an understanding friend and a shoulder to lean on for support.

        Most of my writing comes from actual experiences in my own life, and when I write, I try to “touch” a reader, whether through laughter or tears.  My handicap has made me stronger than most, and although I do not possess a great confidence in myself or an even level of self esteem, readers have helped immensely by telling me that what I convey makes a difference in their lives.  My physical limitations helped expand my empathetic attitude.  So much was taken from me in that childhood accident, yet what I missed was replaced with something far greater.  I may not have been able to run, jump or play like others, but I could write volumes describing those activities!

         When I wrote “Broken Spokes,” the story of my life, it was with the intent to discard the negative messages of my youth, and hopefully to let others know they were not alone in their pain.  From emails, letters and reviews, I know I succeeded.  I have grown so much in the past years, not only as a writer but as a person as well.  I realize now that had the accident not happened, I might have become someone else altogether—someone who thinks more of herself than others—someone who is blind to those who need help.

        As traumatic as life has been at times, I consider myself to be so very blessed—blessed with an amazing son, who is a Sargeant in the Army, a host of wonderful friends, my supportive family, and many extremely loveable animals.  My work in progress is another true story written from the heart, which details my son’s past 11 years as a Soldier.  It is my dream that other parents will benefit by my experience as an Army Mom, and know they are never alone in their feelings.

       I continue to write in the hope of reaching others.  At times the writing is very painful for me, yet I strive to pull the total emotion out of myself and display it on paper.  I have been given an amazing gift, the ability to write, to touch others through my words.  It is a gift I shall never waste.

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful Arlene! I love your writing and thankful you have shared your story as you have.

    Linda, you have a lot of heart! Thank you girls!

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  2. Thank you Brenda! And thank you Linda for showcasing my book!

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  3. I so envy your ability to dig deep & share with the rest of us, Arlene. It is a difficult & brave thing to do. You've blessed us all, your readers, with your heart to ours. Thank you.

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  4. Wonderful Arlene! Kim and I have enjoyed your book and found it to be very inspirational!! Thanks for sharing yourself with so many.

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  5. Thank you Nadia Kilrick. That means a lot to me!

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  6. Kim and Tamy, so glad you enjoyed "Broken Spokes!"

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  7. Arlene, your writing has always touched me in the way you share so much of yourself and experiences. "Broken Spokes" is beautifully written. You bring your readers into your special world as we leave with a powerful message.

    Keep on writing, Arlene O'Neil, you make me proud!!!

    Darlene

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    1. Thank you so much Darlene.I write what I know, what I feel. If it helps someone else, I feel complete.

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  8. Arlene, I was so glad that we crossed paths. I have never met such an extraordinary person as yourself. Keep writing and bless you for all that you have to give to the world.

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    1. Donna thank you very much. I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful friends through my writing.

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  9. Arlene, your writing makes everything else in the world stop around me. So few writers suck me into their world so completely, but your writing always manages to do just that. It becomes a decadent pleasure I gift to myself in allowing time to sit down and read something you have written. Your writing is clearly from the heart and soul of a woman with great strength, greater determination and and a heart so full of compassion for others. I love this post as much as I loved "Broken Spokes" (which I have enjoyed more than once). You always make me laugh and cry, and your thoughts and stories remind me to count my own blessings in life in addition to seeking out ways I might help others. You were indeed born to write Arlene. Broken Spokes is a fantastic read! It has such warmth and humor in a story that is woven from the fabric of your amazing life. I look forward to any new works from the brilliance of your heartfelt written word! Broken Spokes is a five star must read. I consider it an essential part of my home library.

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comment and so very glad you enjoyed "Broken Spokes!" Happy that I touched your life!!

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  10. I love the idea of those notes waiting to grow up! And I love this post.

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  11. Thank you Sheila!! Someday those notes will grow up!

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