(the) Write to Know

A lot of my childhood is a mystery to me. My sister will say, "hey remember that time we..." and I have no idea what she's talking about. My memory is terrible.

Although, through writing about the few childhood memories I do have, other memories that were locked away in the depths of my mind spring to the surface as if being provoked. Before I know it the little unknown gaps in my history are discovered. Sometimes it's exciting and other times it's a bit frightening, as I recall a memory that is not the happiest. Nonetheless, I write to know (to know me more fully).

The beauty of writing such things of one's past gives others the a window into the life that made you who you now in the present. I had this experience just last week. I was writing a post on my personal blog when a past post caught my attention. My son, who's 15, was sitting near me and I asked him if he'd like to read this particular post. I left him with the laptop, reading a portion of my history and I went upstairs to check on my other son. When I returned to the living room, my son was sitting on the sofa with melon sized tears rolling over his cheeks. "Mom, I'm so sorry. I had no idea! I'm sorry..." were his words after having read about the day my step father passed away due to cancer.

My son learned something intimate about me in that moment. He had heard me talk of my step father and how cool he was and that he died of cancer. But in reading my account of that painful day, my son had a picture painted for him in his mind that brought that simple story to life, with skin and bone. He experienced, in a way, the sorrow I endured. Write so others will know.

I love the journey of writing about my past. I never know where it will take me. And I'm learning to share my writing (posts) with my boys and husband. They live with me, this woman that they "see" ~ but how well do they actually know me? Really know me, know the life that formed this me that they see.

Writing your life is recording history as you recall it. Go on a journey through your life and let writing be your vehicle. Then share the destination with those you love. Write to know. Write so others will know as well.

Enjoy the ride!